Spectral signature measurements and Munsell colour analysis for separation of till beds - a pilot study

The main aim of this study has been to examine the possibility of using spectral signature measurements to separate till beds. Spectral reflectances of six till samples from two sites were recorded using an advanced reflectometer in the wavelength region 0.4 to 2.3 mu m. Two grain-size fractions (0.074 and 0.125 mm) were selected for the spectral analyses. Colour analysis of the samples using the Munsell Soil Color Chart was also made. The till samples investigated were difficult to separate from each other using standard methods, but can now be differentiated as units with the help of spectral signatures and colour analysis. Spectral signature measurement of tills can, however, be a more reliable way of separating till units than the Munsell analysis.