Color estimation of forest-steppe soils by digital photography under laboratory conditions

Resumo

Numerical values in the RGB, HSB, and L*a*b systems for the colors of structurally differentiated soils (Luvisols) in the Volga–Kama forest-steppe have been obtained using a digital camera. A high correlation has been revealed between the soil color and the content of humus in the range 0.39–6%. When the content of humus exceeds 6%, the color of humus horizon varies only slightly. A regression equation within the R_RGB range from 85 to 173 has been calculated for the rapid determination of humus content in low- and medium-humus texturally differentiated soils of the Volga–Kama forest-steppe.