Colormetric Detection Of Mositure Change In Rhizotron Studies Using a Flatbed Scanner.

The use of color as a measurement for the moisture content has been evaluated in number of different circumstances. In this study the relationship between the soil moisture and the RGB color value of the soil were calibrated for a number of different soils. Soils were evaluated for texture and field capacity to gain a better understanding of the relationship between soil moisture and color. The color values of the soil were taken using a flatbed scanner which has the advantage of high resolution, low price, and standard image formats. The calibrations between moisture and color were successfully completed. The strength of the correlation between color and moisture varied depending on the type of soil being used. The use of scanners of color in determining the moisture of a soil is a useful development for methods which may make us of flatbed scanners as rhizotrons for studying the development of seedling roots and root hairs.