Soil chemical properties estimation using hyperspectral remote sensing: A review

Abstract

Understanding the geographical variability of soil requires proper evaluation of its physical and chemical properties. Traditionally, soil samples are taken and examined in a laboratory to determine the soil fertility characteristics and to measure spatial variability. The moisture content, organic carbon content, particle size, and kind of clay minerals are some of the significant soil properties that are reflected in the spectral signatures of soil. Rapid and precise mapping of soil properties is crucial for agricultural, forestry, and environmental management. With a reasonable degree of accuracy, hyperspectral spectroscopy has been introducing to be helpful in estimating soil chemical properties. The prediction of soil qualities can also be done by using the various popular spectral indices. Pure soil spectra can be used to estimate several soil characteristics, such as pH and organic carbon, as well as some physical and chemical properties, such as soil texture, soil organic carbon, fertility (NPK), CEC, pH, salinity etc. The chapter provided a review of the studies, techniques and methodologies for the evaluation of several soil chemical properties. This chapter could be more beneficial for researchers that are working on alternative techniques for the estimation soil properties especially for the larger areas. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.