Geoderma 120 (2004) 187 – 200

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Effect of fermentation residue on the spectral reflectance

properties of soils
J.A.M. Demattê a,*, M.A.P. Gama a, M. Cooper a, J.C. Araújo b, M.R. Nanni, P.R. Fiorio a
a
Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of São Paulo, P.O. Box 9 13418-900 SP Piracicaba, Brazil
b
University of São Paulo, Brazil
Received 26 February 2002; received in revised form 11 June 2003; accepted 11 August 2003

Available online 10 January 2004

Abstract

Considering that the reflected electromagnetic energy from a soil sample interacts with many of its components (mineralogy,
texture and chemical properties), remote sensing can be important to detect the presence of industry residues in the soil. An
example of these residues is the largely used vinasse, originated from the production of ethanol by fermentation of sugarcane.
Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate, using remote sensing the effect of this residue on the reflectance properties of
two important tropical soils, a Typic Quartzipsament (TQ) and a Typic Argiudoll (TA) collected in São Paulo State (Brazil). The
soil samples were treated with different doses of the residue and incubated. An Infra Red Intelligent Spectroradiometer sensor was
used in laboratory. TQ presented a differentiated spectral reflectance (SR) curve in relation to TA, due to low Fe, organic matter and
magnetite contents. Significant spectral differences in the reflectance intensities and absorption bands were found between both
soils. The reactions of the residue with soils altered their chemical properties and increased reflectance intensity as well, according
to the doses. Higher significant differences were observed in the reflectance of TQ. The proportional increase of the reflectance
with doses of residue was due to the increase of calcium and potassium contents present in the product. The bands that detected
residue presence in the soils were those of 760 – 900, 2.080 – 2.350, 2.350 – 2.500 nm for TQ, and 760 – 900, 1.118 – 1.270, 1.300 –
1.460, 1.550 – 1.750 nm for TA. Remote sensing technique as soil line was important on the detection of residue variations. The
TM-Landsat data simulation presented the same behavior as in the laboratory, but less detailed. These elements contribute to the
increase in reflectance not altering, however, the shape of the curves or the absorption bands. This study presents a new research
trend where remote sensing can be used in agriculture as well as in environmental monitoring studies related to residues.
D 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Reflectance; Sugarcane residue; Spectroradiometry; Soils; RS

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +55-19-429-4171; fax: +55-19-
434-5354.
E-mail addresses: jamdemat@carpa.ciagri.usp.br,
jamdemat@esalq.usp.br (J.A.M. Demattê), mapgama@esalq.usp.br
(M.A.P. Gama), mcooper@esalq.usp.br (M. Cooper),
jcaraujo@esalq.usp.br (J.C. Araújo), mrnanni@uem.br
(M.R. Nanni), prfiorio@terra.com.br (P.R. Fiorio).
1. Introduction
Remote sensing is an important tool in agriculture
and soil evaluation, contributing to the collection novel
information as a non-destructive, quick and low-cost
technique. Due to the high technology in-put in agri-
culture and the upgrade in productivity, the necessity to

0016-7061/$ - see front matter D 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2003.08.016
188 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200
monitor environment with these advantages has in-
creased. The monitor of the environment can be done
by sensor positioned on satellites or in the laboratory.
Spectroradiometric research has made possible the
quantification of the earth’s surface characteristics
from a long distance. Mainly used in aircraft, the
advent and use of high-capacity sensors, such as
Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVI-
RIS) (Vane et al., 1993), Geophysical Environment
Research Imaging Spectrometer (GERIS) and Multi-
spectral Infrared and Visible Imaging Spectrometer
(MIVIS), has produced results comparable to those
obtained by spectroradiometry in the laboratory.
Spectroradiometers generally cover visible, near
and medium infrared spectra in the range of 400 to
2.500 nm. Spectral data evaluations of terrestrial
objects by spectroradiometry in these wavelengths
aid the detection and quantification of environmental
alterations (Ben-Dor and Banin, 1995). Indeed, Huete
(1996) emphasized the importance of radiometric
laboratory research as the basis for satellite data
interpretation.
Researchers have evaluated spectral reflectance
(SR) as the basis for soil studies. Stoner and Baum-
gardner (1981) stated that SR could be considered a
cumulative property deriving from the spectral behav-
ior inherent in the heterogeneous combinations of
mineral, organic and fluid material that contribute to
mineral soils. Soil SR can be altered by several factors,
such as variations in chemical constitution, organic
matter content, moisture, iron oxide content, parent
material and soil mineralogy (Ben-Dor et al., 1999).
These soil factors exert an even stronger influence
under lab conditions because in the field reflectance
also suffers from the interference of surface conditions.
Most of the work carried out in this area has not
evaluated more specific chemical characteristics
(Schreirer, 1977; Demattê et al., 1998a,b). Even fewer
studies have investigated the relationship between
industry residue application and remote sensing, al-
though we can cite the work of Banninger (1986),
who evaluated heavy metals in soils and plants by
orbital imaging.
Brazil is the major sugarcane producer of the
world. This crop provides a great amount of residue.
Increases in the size and number of sugarcane fer-
mentation alcohol distilleries have created problems
associated with byproducts. This is the case of a
product of ethanol by fermentation, known in Brazil
as vinasse (syrup or juice). In the beginning, a
considerable amount of this residue has been poured
into rivers causing serious pollution problems (Santos
et al., 1981). The problem in the environment took
researchers to find a better use for it. After years of
research, they found its great importance as a fertiliz-
er, rich in potassium.
The use of the residue as a fertilizer proved to be
economically viable and technically recommendable
in sugarcane plantations located close to alcohol
distilleries (Glória et al., 1973). The chemical com-
position of this residue has other elements besides
potassium, such as organic matter, calcium, nitrogen
and phosphorous (Rodella et al., 1983). Between 13
and 15 l of cane residue are produced per 1 l of
alcohol during distillation, creating a large environ-
mental problem. According to Cambium and Cordeiro
(1986), alterations of soil physical and chemical
properties have changed with time. Although the
application of this residue presents advantages, in
the last two decades it has been indiscriminately
applied to the soil. This made technician’s identifica-
tion of serious and common problems with potassium
increase, making its proportion not compatible with
other elements, thus resulting in fertility, productivity
and water pollution risks. Therefore, it is imperative to
monitor the effect of this residue in the environment
with new and quick methodologies.
The purpose of this work was to evaluate soil
chemical alterations caused by cane residue applica-
tion and its relation to SR, determined by a laboratory
sensor (450 –2.500 nm range). The main question is:
‘‘Can remote sensing detect environment alteration
motivate by the residue?’’. Hypothetically, cane resi-
due can alter soil chemical properties and consequent-
ly SR intensity will change. SR may be the basis for
environmental monitoring to prevent soil and ground-
water contamination.
2. Material and methods
2.1. Characterization of the region and the soils
studied
Two important soils were evaluated: Typic Argiu-
doll and Typic Quartzipsament (Soil Survey Staff,
 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200
1990) designated by TA and TQ, respectively. They
are located, respectively, in the regions of Piracicaba
(22j41V latitude, 47j35V longitude) and São Pedro
(22j34V latitude, 47j53V longitude). The regional
climate was characterized, according to Köppen, as
having dry winters and an average temperature over
18 jC, profiles were characterized according to
Lemos and Santos (1996). These are important soils
with sugarcane production.
2.2. Sample collection and treatments
Samples were collected from soil profiles at two
depths 0– 20 and 60 – 80 cm, with three sub samples
at each depth. The sampling was performed in four
walls of a soil horizon, generating a simple sample
that was used for each repetition. We used subsoil
samples due to its different characteristics from sur-
face samples.
The soil samples were oven-dried (45 jC for 24 h),
sieved (2 mm mesh) and placed in plastic cups. Four
treatments were set up, one being the control and the
other three containing increasing doses of cane resi-
due (15, 30 and 45 ml/cup) corresponding to 300, 600
and 900 m3 ha 1 doses at the field. The control
received no residue. The first dose is commonly
applied in agriculture, while the second dose is twice
as much, and the third dose is three times as much the
usual amount. These doses can vary according to soil
necessity. The inadequate dose application is common
by agriculture, which makes monitoring more impor-
tant. Cane residue (Table 1) is a liquid water viscosity
sugarcane byproduct with high acidity and strong
odor.
After cane residue application, samples were incu-
bated for the necessary period to liquid reaction (14
days). Moisture was maintained at field condition.
After 2 weeks, samples were oven-dried (45 jC for 24
h), sieved and subjected to radiometric and soil
analyses.
Table 1
Chemical analysis of cane residue
pH OMa C N P K
1
gl
3.8 20.80 11.56 0.42 0.54 1.46
a
Organic matter.
189
2.3. Soil analysis
Soils were chemically analyzed before and after
treatment to determine pH (CaCl2), organic matter
content, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium
(Mg), calcium (Ca), aluminum, and hydrogen plus
aluminum (van Raij et al., 1987). Soil characteriza-
tion consisted of total iron, Si and Al to determine its
Ki (Camargo et al., 1986). Ki is an index that
designates the weathering degree. It is determined
by molecular ratio between percent of SiO2 and
Al2O3. Values below 1.0 designate dominance of
oxides; values between 1.0 and 2.0 indicate domi-
nance of kaolinite; values between 2.0 and 3.0
indicate dominance of 2:1 clay minerals and kaolin-
ite. Particle size analyses was determined (Camargo
et al., 1986). Silica, alumina and total iron were
quantified following sulfuric acid attack (Camargo
et al., 1986). Mineralogical analyses were made on
the clay fraction (Jackson, 1969). Analysis consisted
of pre-treating the samples to eliminate OM (using
30% H2O2) and iron oxides (using ditionite citrate –
sodium bicarbonate). Granulometric separation quan-
tified sand (damp sieving), silt and clay fractions (by
decantation). Clay fraction samples were saturated
with K and Mg, transferred to glass slides (by
smearing) and irradiated by X-ray. Clay samples were
irradiated at an interval of 3j to 32j 2h. Diffracto-
grams were obtained on samples saturated with K at
25 and 550 jC, and with samples saturated with Mg
and glycolate.
2.4. Acquisition of spectral data
After incubation, soil samples were dried, sieved
and accomplished into petri dishes, carefully leveling
their surfaces to minimize rugosity. An Infrared Intel-
ligent Spectroradiometer (IRIS) sensor was used with
a 2-nm resolution in the SR range (450 – 1.000 nm)
and with 4 nm (1.000 – 2.500 nm). This sensor
Ca Mg S Cu Mn Zn Fe K2 O P2O5
kg/m3
0.41 0.32 0.40 3.00 7.00 4.00 14.00 1.15 87.0
190 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200
obtained 675 points (or bands) between 450 and 2.500
nm for use in preparation of a spectral curve. A white
calibrate plate of BaSO4 (Labsphere, 1996) was used
as the absolute reference standard. Radiation source
was a 650-W halogen lamp with a parabolic reflector
and a non-collimated beam. This lamp was positioned
61 cm from the sample, with an angle of 15j to the
zenith and its energy was stabilized by a power source.
The ratio between SR flux reflected by sample surface
and the SR flux reflected by the reference material,
illuminated and viewed under the same conditions
generates the ‘‘spectral bi-directional reflectance fac-
tor’’. Three readings were taken for each sample, and
the mean value was used in this study.
2.5. Evaluation of the spectral data and statistical
analysis
SR data were evaluated by SR curves from 450 to
2.500 nm. The same data were also used to simulate
Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) bands. For this
purpose, the mean SR factor obtained by the IRIS
sensor was calculated in the wavelength ranges
corresponding to this sensor bands, i.e., 450 –520,
520 – 600, 630 – 690, 760 – 900, 1.550 – 1.750 and
2.080 – 2.350 nm. The discrimination of SR treatment
curves was based on Tukey’s test and performed on
each wavelength range (Henderson et al., 1992). With
the objective to increase spectral evaluation, wave-
length ranges already tested by Demattê and Garcia
(1999) (956 –1.082, 1.118 –1.270, 1.300 –1.460 and
2.350 – 2.500 nm) were evaluate. Linear correlation
between SR and OM, K, Ca was performed for each
band data.
SR curves were descriptively evaluated as well
(Stoner and Baumgardner, 1981). Curve Type estab-
lished by these authors have also been used by
Valeriano et al. (1995), Formaggio et al. (1996) and
Demattê et al. (1998a,b). The absorption features and
the SR intensity factor were also evaluated.
In addition, we investigated the relationship be-
tween chemical characteristics and the ‘‘soil line’’ for
the SR data (spectroradiometry and Landsat TM
image). Soil line is evaluated by a graph where the
x and y axis corresponds to the spectral data of red
(band 3) and near-infrared, band 4, respectively (Baret
et al., 1993). The soil characteristics are evaluated by
the data disposed along this graphic.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Application of cane residue and its chemical
alterations in soils
Analysis of cane residue (Table 1) lies within the
normal range obtained by most alcohol distilleries
(Orlando Filho et al., 1983). Most pH analyses in
H2O give values of 3.5 to 4.0, while our value was
found to be higher, i.e., 4.4, indicating that this is a
slightly less acid cane residue. As for OM content, our
value of 20 g kg 1 is within the normal values of 20
to 40 g kg 1. High Ca and Mg contents in this cane
residue, as well as the close Ca/Mg ratio, reflect the
soil quality of the region from which the cane residue
was obtained. Our sample had a high N content
compared with the average of 0.20 and 0.30 kg
m 3 (Orlando Filho et al., 1983). However, the C/N
ratio of 27:1 obtained for this sample indicates it is
suitable for direct application in the soil. Micronutri-
ent content, including sulfur, was reasonable.
With regard to the soils studied here, TQ with 50
and 70 g kg 1 of clay at both depths differed from the
TA with 496 and 623 g kg 1 clay in the first and
second layers, respectively (Table 2). The pH (CaCl2)
was acid in both soils, and indicated very low base
saturation, thus, a poor soil regarding fertility. Organic
matter contents for both TQ and TA soils were
compatible with clay content, i.e., lower clay content
corresponded to lower OM.
The greater increase of cane residue dose applied
to these soils caused significant cation contents mod-
ification in the surface and under-surface samples
(Table 3). Organic matter content increased greatly
in the surface of TQ with the maximum dose of 900
m3 ha 1. This attribute increased from 10 to 14 g
kg 1, or a relative increase of almost 40% (Table 3).
A similar value was obtained for the second layer. The
non-response to treatments 2 and 3 with OM was
attribute to the soil’s highly sandy nature, which
prevented absorption onto silt or clay.
Soil samples of surface layer of TA had a gradual
OM increase from 15.3 to 18.3 g kg 1 at low doses of
cane residues, and from 15.3 to 20.3 g kg 1 at high
cane residue addition. The OM increase from 15.3 to
20.3 g kg 1 represented appreciable values of almost
25% of OM, even though not statistically significant
(Table 3).
 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200 191

Table 2
Analysis of soil samples
Depth, cm pH CaCl2 OMa, g kg 1
K Ca Sand Silt Clay Fe2O3b Kic
3 1
mmolc dm g kg
Typic Quartzipsament (TQ)
0 – 20 4.1 10.33 0.37 2.33 930.0 20.0 50.0 10.3 1.2
60 – 80 4.13 10.67 0.27 1.67 890.0 40.0 70.0 0.4 1.8

Typic Argiudoll (TA)

0 – 20 3.9 15.33 2.5 21 300.0 203.3 496.7 64.5 1.5
60 – 80 3.9 12.0 0.8 9.0 196.7 180.0 623.3 66.8 2.2
a
Organic matter.
b
Fe2O3: sulfuric acid digestion.
c
Molar relation SiO2/Al2O3.

In regard to the pH, soils must again be separat-
ed. TQ had lower buffering capacity and hence, less
resistance to pH changes than TA, which had higher
buffering capacity. Moreover, the lower acidity of
the cane residue must be taken into account as well.
The pH in the surface layer showed a gradual
increase as the content of cane residue increased,
going from 4.1 in T1 (control) to 4.4 in T2 (300 m3
ha 1) and 4.9 in T3 (600 m3 ha 1) (Table 3). In
other words, pH increased 0.8, which for soil is
appreciable even though it was not statistically
significant.
In the case of TA, pH increased less. However, Ca
and K contents increased markedly in both soils
(Table 3). An addition of 300 m3 ha 1 of cane
residues (T2 for TQ soil) led to an increase of K
from 0.37 to 2.5 mmolc dm 3. The increase of K and
Ca was significant as the amount of cane residue
increased. The same tendency was observed in the
second layer. Considering the ratio of Ca:K, an
application of 300 m3 ha 1 permitted the soil to
contain more Ca than K. However, amendment with
T3 (600 m3 ha 1) and T4 (900 m3 ha 1) provided an
excess of K in relation to Ca, completely unbalancing
soil chemical characteristics. TA had a much smaller
Ca/K ratio since TA has a greater CEC. The response
to cane residue application for the chemical results
coincided with published data.

Table 3
Mean results of chemical analysis of two depths of the soils studied
Treatmentsa >0 – 20 cm depth 60 – 80 cm depth
1 1
pH CaCl2 MO, g kg K Ca pH CaCl2 MO, g kg K Ca
3 3
mmolc dm mmolc dm
Typic Quartzipsament
T1 4.1ab 10.33a 0.37a 2.33a 4.13a 10.67ab 0.27a 1.67a
T2 4.4a 10.33a 2.57ab 4.00a 4.47a 9.67a 2.9b 4.00ab
T3 4.9a 10.33a 4.9b 5.33ab 4.53a 13.67ab 5.23b 5.67b
T4 4.6a 14.00b 8.63c 9.33b 4.37a 15.00b 9.27c 10.00c

Typic Argiudoll
T1 3.9a 15.33a 2.5a 21a 3.9a 12.0a 0.8a 9.0a
T2 4.1a 18.33a 5.23a 25.67a 4.0a 13.33a 2.87b 12.33ab
T3 4.2a 20.33a 6.9a 26a 3.9a 13.33a 4.63c 14.33ab
T4 4.2a 20.33a 7.73a 28.67a 3.9a 17.33a 7.96d 21.33b
a
T1 = control, T2 = 300 m3 ha 1 cane residue, T3 = 600 m3 ha 1 cane residue, T4 = 900 m3 ha 1
cane residue.
b
Same letters on the column presents no significative difference at a 5% level (Tukey test).
192 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200
The chemical characteristics of cane residue are
markedly improved when applied to the soil, even
showing an increase in pH (Table 1). Studies have been
made on different soils, including tests with P amend-
ments, which have reached the same conclusion, i.e.,
pH increases as the content of cane residues increases
(Demattê, 1990). This pH increase has been attributed
to microbiological activities (Gloria et al., 1973).
Researchers working with cane residue in various
soils have confirmed that there is a general increase of
exchangeable cations, such as K, Ca and Mg. Increase
in soil pH, cation content, CEC and base saturation
leads to a marked improvement of the chemical soil
attributes. Camargo et al. (1983) observed that satu-
ration by K followed Gapon’s model and that there
was preferential K leaching. Indeed, this leaching is
considered beneficial since it allows for the chemical
recovery deep in the soil profile. The large-scale use
of this product by sugar mills and alcohol distilleries
has been based on these findings. Values of K indicate
to be in excess according to van Raij et al. (1997).
3.2. Spectral characterization of the soils and
application of cane residue
TQ had high SR intensity (Fig. 1) due to the
presence of quartz, verified through X-ray analyses
in the coarser fractions. Curve shape was characteris-
tic for this soil, showing a positive SR tendency up to
0.5 (Formaggio et al., 1996). The concavity (centered
at 850 nm) caused by the iron oxides (Vitorello and
Galvão, 1996) almost did not exist due to the low
oxide content. The 1.900 nm moderate-intensity band
indicated the presence of 2:1 minerals, such as ver-
miculite, confirmed by X-ray analysis. In fact, as
demonstrated by Grove et al. (1992), vermiculite has
strong absorption in this wavelength. Kaolinite was
the dominant mineral in our soil and may absorb
radiation as well, judging by the characteristic shape
at 2.200 nm (Hauf et al., 1990).
TA (Fig. 2) had lower SR than TQ (Fig. 1). This
intensity was associated with clay, Fe2O3 and OM
content (Table 2), which absorbs energy, and thus
reflectance is reduced (Henderson et al., 1992).
Although the total Fe2O3 content was relatively
low, i.e., 6 g kg 1, the concavity centered at 850
nm was moderate to strong, which indicated the
presence of crystalline iron oxides, mainly goethite
that occur in larger amounts in yellow soils with a
5YR chroma (Schwertman and Taylor, 1977). The
band at 1.400 nm was attributed to molecular water
vibrations and to OH groups (Lindberg and Snyder,
1972). In addition to the molecular vibrations at
1.900 nm, clay mineral structures also have an
influence. The presence of 2:1 mineral identified
by X-ray analyses, such as mica and vermiculite,
promote a strong absorption at 1.900 nm, in agree-
ment with Demattê et al. (1998a). Kaolinite also
appeared in the 2.200 nm band (Fig. 2), which was
verified by X-ray analysis. The general SR curve
shape of TQ showed a positive tendency, character-
istic of sandy soils (Demattê et al., 2000).
With application of cane residue to TQ soil, few
spectral differences were found in the 0 to 20 cm layer
(Fig. 1a). This is shown statistically in Table 4. The
control differed from the treatments mainly in bands
10 and 11 (2.080 to 2.500 nm). SR differences were
most clear in the subsoil (Fig. 2b). Cane residue
application increased SR intensity starting at 1.118
nm. Statistically, bands 5, 6 and 8 best discriminate
the treatments (Table 4).
The sandy soil with low CEC and OM had a low
cation retention capacity (Table 2). In the surface
layer, the complexity of the interaction between OM
and soil characteristics may mask the effects of
sugarcane residue application, as shown in Fig. 2a.
This is in accordance with Demattê et al. (1998a,b).
These authors found no significant differences in the
surface layer with different Ca applications due to
OM. Therefore, in the sandy soil and low CEC, OM
of the soil masked the cane residue effect. Content of
OM was less in the subsoil (Table 2), which en-
hanced the product effects. Masking effects caused
by OM have already been observed by Madeira
Netto (1996).
Soils treated with cane residue had chemical
alterations (Table 3) that altered SR data (Figs. 1
and 2). In general, treated soils had increased SR
intensity, even though curve shape remained un-
changed. This effect occurred between 1.000 and
2.450 nm in TQ and between 600 and 2.450 nm in
TA soil. High SR intensity was associated with Ca
and K content introduced in samples treated with
cane residue, Schreirer (1977) observed a positive
correlation between the Ca content and reflectance,
while Singh and Dwivedi (1986) found that salts
 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200 193

Fig. 1. Spectral curves of treatments realized on TQ soil: treatments, legend: T1 (Control); T2 (300 m3 ha 1
cane residue); T3 (600
m3 ha 1 cane residue); T4 (900 m3 ha 1 cane residue).

increased image reflectance. Boluda et al. (1993)
also found that calcium-rich soils were more reflec-
tive. Later, Demattê et al. (1998a,b) found, in labo-
ratory tests, that Ca is reflective. Therefore, the Ca
introduced by cane residue increased SR and is in
agreement with Demattê et al. (2001), for whom
calcium increased spectral reflectance on lime soils.
There is no data available regarding the effects of
K. Basically, Demattê and Garcia (1999) found a
positive correlation between the sum of cations
(Ca + K + Mg) and reflectance, indicating that K also
increased SR.
194 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200

Fig. 2. Spectral curves for treatments realized on TA soil: treatments, legend: T1(Control); T2 (300 m3 ha 1
cane residue);
T3 (600 m3 ha 1 cane residue); T4 (900 m3 ha 1 cane residue).

The application of a residue promoted a chemical spectrum. The most evident differences occurred in
reaction, not physical. This can be observed by the no the red and near infrared. No visual (Figs. 1 and 2) nor
significant differences in the visible portion of the statistical difference (Table 4) were verified in the
Table 4

J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200

Statistical analysis of spectral reflectance in the spectral selected wavelengths, for soil samples from 0 to 20 cm depth of TQ and TA
Treatmenta Curve typeb Spectral wavelengths, nm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
450 – 520 520 – 600 630 – 690 760 – 900 956 – 1082 1118 – 1270 1300 – 1460 1550 – 1750 1820 – 1992 2080 – 2350 2350 – 2500
TQ
T1 C 0.0788ac 0.1229a 0.21a 0.3019a 0.3708a 0.4476ab 0.4709ab 0.5a 0.5179a 0.5159a 0.4812a
T2 C 0.0829b 0.128a 0.2137ab 0.3065ab 0.3783ab 0.4474ab 0.4701a 0.5001ab 0.5126a 0.5068a 0.4701a
T3 C 0.0840b 0.1304a 0.2164ac 0.3120b 0.3859b 0.4561a 0.4794c 0.5089c 0.5224a 0.5122a 0.4746a
T4 C 0.0797a 0.1216a 0.2005ab 0.2914c 0.3639a 0.4467b 0.4741b 0.503b 0.523a 0.5377b 0.5007b

TA
T1 C 0.0653a 0.1252a 0.236a 0.2635a 0.2545a 0.2879a 0.2761a 0.2855a 0.259a 0.2088a 0.1544a
T2 C 0.0811b 0.1527b 0.271b 0.2986b 0.2898b 0.3212b 0.3104b 0.3188b 0.2936b 0.2443b 0.189b
T3 C 0.0796b 0.1505ab 0.2725b 0.3054c 0.2991c 0.3396c 0.3301c 0.3431c 0.3172c 0.2638c 0.2026c
T4 C 0.0822b 0.1501ab 0.2603c 0.2945b 0.2922b 0.3259d 0.3174b 0.3273d 0.3049bc 0.2558bc 0.189bc
a
T1 = control, T2 = 300 m3 ha 1 cane residue, T3 = 600 m3 ha 1 cane residue, T4 = 900 m3 ha 1
cane residue.
b
Curve type according to Stoner and Baumgardner (1981).
c
Some letters in the columns indicate no statistical difference at p < 0.05 (Tukey test).

195
196 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200

main part of visible portion. The soil analyses cor-
roborate the reaction of residue with soil sample. In
fact, the soil samples color did not modify by visual
observation, because residue, which was liquid dark in
the beginning, completely disappeared as their com-
ponents interacted with soil characteristics during the
incubation. The color of soil samples before and after
the treatments did not change. Cane residue also
introduced OM (Table 3). We expected that SR
intensity would diminish (Coleman and Montgomery,
1987), but this did not occur. The OM increase was
from 10.33 (control) to 14.00 g kg 1 (maximum
residue treatment). The quantity of other elements
introduced in soil solution and exchange site had
much higher differences. Potassium had an increase
from 0.37 to 8.63 mmolc dm 3 and calcium went

Fig. 3. Statistical tendencies from reflectances values for the different treatments in relation to soil line: (a) 0 – 20 cm depth, (b) 60 – 80 cm depth for
the Typic Quartzipsament, (c) 0 – 20 cm depth, and (d) 60 – 80 cm depth for the Typic Argiudoll. Band 3: 630 – 690 nm; Band 4: 760 – 900 nm.
 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200 197

from 2.33 until 9.33 mmolc dm 3 (Table 3). The data
and literature (Schreirer, 1977; Janik et al., 1998)
permits us to affirm that the cation elements had a
decisive participation on reflectance increase. OM
decrease effect was not able to support cation increase
in spectral reflectance.
The vinasse effects was more pronounced in TA
than in TQ soil. This occurred because of its 2:1
clay mineralogy that contributed for the cation
retention in exchangeable sites, thus providing
higher SR. Indeed, all the SR curves for the treat-
ments in TA were statistically differentiated from the
control sample mainly in the infrared spectrum
(Table 4).
3.3. Soil line and chemical alterations
The spectral data was modeled in a graphic with red
and near infra red SR values in the x and y axis,
respectively. The points that appear in a 45j position
indicate soil characteristics. The soil line data evalua-
tion (Baret et al., 1993) is an important information to
establish vegetation indices (Huete, 1989). Knowing
that soil characteristics, such as texture, OM and

Fig. 4. Simulated spectral curves from TM/Landsat sensor (nm), 0 – 20 depth: Band 1 (450 – 520), Band 2 (520 – 600), Band 3 (630 – 690), Band
4 (760 – 900), Band 5 (1550 – 1750) and Band 7 (2080 – 2350).
198 J.A.M. Demattê et al. / Geoderma 120 (2004) 187–200
moisture, may interfere with results (Galvão and Vitor-
ello, 1998), it is necessary to examine if soil line can
also discriminate soils due to its chemical alterations.
The data presented high r2 values (Fig. 3). The
samples were from the same soil, although with
different treatments. The application of cane residue
altered the curve intercept and slope in all cases (Fig.
3). This was observed in both soils and at both depths.
Notice how the straight line (soil line) from T1 to T4
alters in terms of angles. This alteration indicates
variation on SR data due to chemical modifications.
Samples of a same soil usually maintain the same soil
line tendency.
3.4. Simulation of orbital data and chemical soil
alterations
Simulating satellite data attempts to replicate data
so that we may interpret space-based sensors. This
simulation does not take into account atmospheric and
geometrical effects when satellite images are used
(Huete, 1996).
In the case of TQ (Fig. 4A), no differences were
found with the lower number of bands analyzed (with
exception of band 7, 2.080 –2.350 nm). An increase of
SR intensity from control soil to treated soil was
observed in TA bands 5 and 7 of Landsat, 1.550 –
1750 and 2080 – 2350 nm, respectively. In terms of
class discrimination, this procedure is important
(Demattê et al., 2000) as well as for oxide materials
(Frazier et al., 1997). Differences due to salt on
images have been reported (Singh and Dwivedi,
1986). The altered soil surface samples with residue
presented a different spectral reflectance pattern. This
shows that satellite information can identify spectral
differences (Fig. 4).
4. Conclusions
Spectral reflectance allowed to characterize and
discriminate a Typic Argiudoll from a Typic Quartz-
ipsament and indicated that organic matter, quartz,
iron oxides and clay content had significant effects.
Remote sensing was able to detect differences
between soils with and without cane residue applica-
tion. The fermentation residue reacted with soil prop-
erties and altered the chemistry. Soil samples pre
sented increase of calcium and potassium, which were
responsible for the reflectance increase in the treated
samples. These differences were observed starting at
the near infrared (1118 nm). Although SR intensity
differences existed, spectral curve shape remained
unaltered.
Slopes for spectral reflectance data varied in rela-
tion to the soil line, when soils received residue,
which aided treatment discrimination. Orbital data
simulation discriminated between the presence and
or absence of cane residue in soils, particularly in
bands 5 (1.550 –1750 nm) and 7 (2080 – 2350 nm) in
clay texture soils.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the São Paulo
Financial Support Foundation (FAPESP), which
acquired the IRIS spectroradiometer (Process No.
95/6259 6). The authors also acknowledge support
from the National Research Organization (CNPq),
which provided funding for the first author’s research
(Process No. 98/01059 7).
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