Soil Classification

This paper presents preliminary results of the use of visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy for soil classification and soil profile examination. Three experiments involving (1) three different soil types (Albic Luvisol, Gleyic Phaeozem, Brunic Arenosol), (2) three artificial micro-plots with similar texture (loamy sand, Gleyic Phaeozem) but different soil organic carbon (SOC) content and (3) a soil profile (Fluvisol) have been investigated using VIS-NIR spectroscopy. Results indicated that VIS-NIR is a promising technique for preliminary soil description and can classify soils according to soil properties (especially SOC) and horizons. Instead of complex chemical and physical analyses involved in routine soil profile classification, VIS-NIR spectroscopy is suggested as a useful, rapid, and inexpensive tool for soil profile investigation.

Authors: Guillaume Debaene, Piotr Bartmiński, Jacek Niedźwiecki, Tomasz Miturski

Keywords: VIS-NIR spectroscopy, soil remote sensing, spectral properties

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