ABSTRACT
An understanding of how leaf spectral reflectance changes as a function of soil type is key to interpreting intra- and interspecies spectral reflectance differences. Because leaf traits are influenced by leaf age, canopy position, and soil fertility, a comprehensive model of leaf spectral reflectance must include a clear description of soil/nutrient/plant interactions. Soil properties play an intrinsic and important role in affecting plant health that, when combined with soil nutrients, contributes to a given spectral reflectance at the leaf and canopy levels. In general, soil effects on plant/leaf spectral reflectance have not been studied in depth, and in some cases, the plant/soil/nutrient interactions are decoupled from overall spectral observations.
