Application of hyperspectral image to identify the salinity effects on lettuce leaves (original) (raw)

Soil and irrigation salinity are key factors in the growth of most of vegetables, causing problems in agriculture, mainly in arid or semi-arid regions. Industrial development and population growth have caused contamination and salinization of surface and underground water and, thereby of agricultural soil. Saline soils represent a great area in the southeast of Spain, where are the main region of horticultural crops in the country. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most important crops in this region, being Murcia the main producer region in the European Union. This production is employed mainly for fresh consumption and ready-to-eat product. In general, lettuce presents a moderate sensitivity to salinity. In moderated levels of salinity lettuce crops do not show visible damages in the leaves and seem to be normal, although their growth and yield decrease. They could have deep green leaves, with more density and thickness, and more succulent tissues. When salinity induces im...