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In sparse canopies, light striking the background soil and stubble may pass up through the canopy and affect apparent reflectance. The effect of three different backgrounds on the apparent reflectance of single leaves from six species was investigated. Spectral measurements were taken between 250 and 2500 nm using an UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere.

Results confirmed the findings of other studies, but also measured deeper into the UV range. Very small effects were found in the UV and visible spectra, with the exception of the green reflectance peak, which was affected by background. The greatest effects were observed in the NIR between 750 and 1300 nm, and between water absorption bands at 1450 and 1930 nm. Potential techniques for dealing with and exploiting bands which exhibit high sensitivity to background effects are suggested.