Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello, I am an eighth grade student working on science fair. I have the idea to make a sort of "soil x-ray". The concept is a sort of tool to be able to see the water/moisture levels in soil. The idea being to measure it qualitatively instead of with a hygrometer. I have researched the concept of x-ray machines. They use electromagnetic radiation, which is supposedly similar to visible light except with higher energy. This higher energy allows the picture to see through certain, less dense, objects. I was thinking if I could somehow make the water be (or seem) more dense than the soil it is in, I could use the same technology (just tweaked quite a bit) as an x-ray to create the image, being able to see the water in the earth. Maybe if this didn't work, I could find the atomic energy in water and it hopefully being cooler or hotter than soil, use night vision mechanics to see the difference in water in soil. I would like a soil scientist to help me move forward to see if this idea of mine would work. Please and thank you!

Thank you,
Charlotte

Moderator note: I'm cross-posting this to the Physical Sciences forum, in case one of those experts has some ideas. I've also add the words "measuring soil moisture" to your title to give your post more visibility.

Hi Charlotte,
That's a great idea that you have. Based on your description though, I think a radar, or more specifically - a ground penetrating radar, is more of what you are looking for. Please take a look at the following:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-penetrating_radar

Here's a brief introduction to the technology and how it measure soil moisture:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 080757.htm

Also, you can try to use the search term "ground penetrating radar soil moisture" and you should see a number of results on google and other search engines.

Good Luck and please post again if you have any questions!
Willey