Near and mid infrared soil spectroscopy

Soil Infrared spectroscopy uses electromagnetic energy to characterize the soil. In the past decades, visible, near to mid infrared spectroscopy has gained considerable interest as a viable alternative for in-field and laboratory measurements, especially where a high spatial density of measurements is needed, because of its speed and cost-effectiveness. Once chemometric models have been calibrated, a single spectrum can be used to predict a range of soil properties simultaneously. This chapter provides an overview of spectroscopy in soil research, including predicting physical, chemical, and biological properties, as well as determination of soil contaminants.