Nataliya P Kirillova
Moscow State University, Russia
Title: Innovations in soil color characterization: From Munsell color charts to flatbed scanners and digital cameras
Biography
Biography: Nataliya P Kirillova
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The physical characterization of soil horizons based on color is a key diagnostic method in the description of soil profiles, and has been integrated in to diagnostic keys such as the world reference base for soil resources. The Munsell color system has been the primary qualitative or semi-quantitative mean to describe soil color. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of using flatbed scanners and digital cameras to derive colorimetrically accurate images and data of soil samples, and to replace semi-quantitative Munsell chart comparison, or more expensive spectrophotometers.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Flatbed scanners have been used previously for colorimetric characterization of rocks and sediments. We undertook a series of calibration/characterization steps to optimize the colorimetric accuracy of two commercially available flatbed scanners and a digital camera. The basic principle underlying our approach is to characterise and calibrate digital devices using a variety of colour charts/targets. We tested the accuracy of these calibrations through analysis of a soil sample set containing 161 spectrophotometrically analyzed soils.
Conclusion & Significance: With careful calibration, scanners and digital cameras can be used to measure soil color with an accuracy close to that achievable with spectrophotometers, and hence to replace applying Munsell charts to evaluate soil color.
