Digital Classification of Dyed Pedons to Determine Water Penetration in Jamaican Bauxite Soils.

Methylene blue dye solution was applied to wet pre- and post-mined bauxite soils in order to document variable infiltration and percolation rates. Dyed pedons were then excavated and photographed.  Photos were digitally classified to quantify dyed portions and compare with known infiltration rates.  Evaluation if classified imates showed that dye solution was unable to penetrate dense basal bauxite. Also, limestone rock fragments increased dye penetration and may, therefore, increase total water retention by allowing more water to enter very dense areas of soil.