The problem with “apparent electrical conductivity” in soil electromagnetic induction studies

Abstract

Language simplification in scientific works that use electromagnetic induction (EMI) will promote this technique in soil and water-related research and applications. One way of fostering easy understanding and communication of ideas is by omitting the usage of the term “apparent electrical conductivity” (ECa) when dealing with EMI techniques. Herein we justify that the use of ECa terminology in many EMI sensor applications is unnecessary and can create confusion due to issues on units and dimensions of ECa. While the concept of a relative electrical conductivity within a soil system may have merit, it is our opinion that the use of the term ECa is not of primary importance in many applications of EMI to the pedosphere and hydrosphere, thus, omission of the term is warranted.