Exploring near-surface mechanical wave propagation through cohesive and noncohesive soils is important for detecting buried objects (i.e., landmines and unexploded ordnance). Here, we determine that certain preferred frequencies travel through specific soils more efficiently. A controlled-frequency acoustic seismic source was developed to modulate the applied frequency and amplitude. Surface response due to continuous waves traveling through soils was recorded both instantaneously and after a finite load time. Preferred frequencies for sand, clay loam, and silt loam were measured to be 300-330, 100-140, and 140-260 Hz, respectively. Observed frequency shifts were dependent upon applied amplitude and load time. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.