In soil color terminology, what does "chroma" represent?

Chroma is a term used in soil color terminology to indicate the relative purity or strength of a color's hue. It reflects how vivid or intense the color appears and is an important parameter in soil description. A higher chroma value indicates a more intense and saturated color, while a lower value suggests dullness or a more muted appearance. Understanding chroma is crucial in soil evaluation because it can provide insights into soil characteristics such as drainage, organic matter content, and iron oxidation.

In this context, distinguishing between chroma and other aspects of color, like hue (the general color, such as red or brown) or value (the lightness or darkness of the color), is essential for accurate soil analysis and classification. Thus, knowing that chroma focuses specifically on the intensity of the color helps in interpreting soil properties effectively.