Passive Microwave Polarimeters
Highly Advanced Soil Moisture Sensors for Research, Academia, and Progressive Farms.
No annual subscription, free online data processing (optional), documentation available, tailored to support research.
Passive microwave sensing offers a unique technique to measure soil moisture levels from a distance. This method relies on the natural emissions of microwaves by the soil. Wet soil emits less microwave radiation than dry soil, mainly due to the dielectric properties of water. By detecting and analyzing the intensity of these emissions using airborne or ground-based sensors, it is possible to deduce the amount of moisture present in the soil.
P-Band (400 MHz), L-Band (1.4 GHz), S-Band (2.2 GHz)
Digital auto- and cross-correlation polarimetry
Land-Surface Model to support data interpretation
Automatic Cloud Processing & Calibration (optional)
What We Offer
The ability to map root zone and surface soil moisture using dual-polarization microwave radiometers.
Our Microwave sensors have been flown by UAVs, driven by tractors, sprayers, ATVs and mapping trucks, and mounted to irrigation centre-pivots on dryland and irrigated fields worldwide.
Why Choose Skaha Labs
Lightweight, Compact, Versatile
The entire UAV sensor weighs just over 1000 grams. The antennas of the pivot and vehicle-mounted sensors weigh only 2.5 kg.
The digital processor is built into the L-Band (UAV) sensor. In the P and S-Band sensors, the processing unit is separated from the antenna.
Exceptional Sensitivity
Utilizing high-quality RF components, our uncooled polarimeters achieve a notably low receiver noise temperature of just 150 Kelvin. Thanks to internal calibration against a temperature-monitored fixed load, these Dicke-type polarimeters ensure exceptional stability and minimal system noise.
Cross-Correlation Polarimeter
At the heart of our sensors are a wide-band Analog-Digital Converter (ADC) and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which perform real-time correlation and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of horizontal and vertical polarization.
This is not only a radiometer; it's a digital polarimeter!
Support by Experienced Scientist
As the founder of Skaha Labs, Maik has personally designed, constructed, field-tested, and fine-tuned every iteration of his sensors. With a background in physics and skills as a self-taught engineer, Maik's vision is to witness his technology making contributions in both research and agriculture. He is deeply committed to supporting Skaha's customers.
German Engineering, Made in Canada
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Testimonials
The Mueller Irrigation Research Group works with Skaha Labs to rigorously test their microwave radiometers under varying field conditions. In our collaboration, Skaha Labs has demonstrated to be committed to developing a product that has great value for water management decision making by irrigation farmers.
Dr Willemijn Appels
Mueller Applied Research Chair in Irrigation Science, Lethbridge College, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
We have been working with Skaha Labs on the development of a closed-loop irrigation solution for farmers since 2019. Thanks to Skaha's microwave sensors which make the creation of high resolution soil moisture maps of agricultural fields much easier and more affordable, we have made significant progress towards our goal.
Prof Dr Jinfeng Liu
Donadeo Innovation Centre For Engineering, University of Alberta
We purchased a Skaha Labs drone sensor two years ago and are getting some really exciting results from this instrument. Working with Maik Wolleben is great, as he offers excellent support.
Prof. Aaron Berg
University of Guelph
Canada Research Chair in Hydrology and Remote Sensing
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Disclaimer
Radio Interference
Skaha's sensors utilize state-of-the-art passive microwave radiometry to detect and measure the subtle radio emissions emitted naturally by soil. While we've incorporated robust interference mitigation strategies to ensure accuracy, there are instances where external, human-made radio interference can overpower our instrument.
Potential users should be aware of conditions that may disrupt the sensor's performance:
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The presence of electronic devices near the sensor.
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LCD screens situated within approximately 10 meters of the sensors.
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Proximity to communications infrastructure such as cell towers or broad-band communication antennas.
It's also worth noting that taking measurements inside university premises or industrial buildings is often not feasible due to the prevalent radio interference in such environments.