I have been exploring models of a quarter wave monopole over a set of
radials on 80m using NEC4 models.

If my models are valid, and they use 'average ground', the indication is
that while it may require a large number of buried radials (16) before
efficiency levels off a bit, similar efficiency can be obtained with
just three radials elevated more than 100mm above the soil.

This leaves me wondering why the popularity of extensive fields of
buried radials for the lower bands.

Comments?

Owen