Multi-factor analysis on polarized spectral reflectance of bare soil surface with different particle size

The linear polarization of light reflected from soil surfaces was measured by an instrument composed of a semi-automatic goniometer and an ASD spectroradiometer under a direct lamp to determine its potential to detect differences in different particle size. In this paper we tested and analyzed the polarization spectra of soils to determine the spectral response and changes in soil particle size, and to establish models of the relationship between spectral data and soil particle size. An orthogonal test was also designed for the various factors that affect soil spectral polarization characteristics and their interactions. All above measurements were carried out in the laboratory where the atmospheric contribution was ignored. The results show that particle size is one of the most important parameter affecting soil spectra, and is critical to soil remote sensing band selection and image interpretation. It also provides information required for soil investigation and analysis of physical and chemical properties.