Abstract:
This study is aimed at addressing the capability of using remote sensing data in detecting
and tracking soil salinization variability using a series of experimental methodologies. In
a controlled experiment, the spectral reflectance changes associated with salt crust
formation on soil surfaces were tracked in order to detect the optimum moisture levels for
salinity detection and recognize the influence of soil texture on salinity-induced spectral
changes. In another experiment, lettuce plants were utilized to assess plant biophysical
responses to moderate salinity levels with canopy-level reflectance data. An FR-ASD
spectrometer was used to collect reflectance data in the 400-2500 nm spectral region.
Finally, MODIS satellite data were employed to analyze the temporal profiles of selected
high (8-11 dS/m), moderate (4-6 dS/m) and none (1-3 dS/m), salt affected sites in the
Nile Delta, Egypt