Delineating Soil Horizons Using Image Analysis.

The variation of soil horizon boundaries limits the accuracy of horizon delineation. Soil scientists may differ on the location of horizon boundaries, the number of horizons, and the transitions between horizons. Assessment of boundary variation is limited to characterizing the boundary as smooth, wavy, irregular, or broken. Using soil profile images, horizon boundaries can be delineated using image analysis techniques. The number of horizons can be estimated and horizons difficult to delineate in the field can be identified. Image analysis can complement traditional horizon delineation methods by detecting changes in boundary locations, refining field delineated horizon boundaries, and detecting horizons difficult to delineate in the field.