Current developments in soil science applications of reflectance spectroscopy are gaining momentum due to the recent availability of 1- regional to global soil databases such as the LUCAS European-wide soil database, 2- new imaging spectroscopy sensors that can be used in the laboratory, field or mounted on airborne platforms (UAVs and plane) also including the mid-infrared wavelength region, 3- upcoming spaceborne high-quality sensors for global soil monitoring. In this regard, we are looking forward at an exponential use of spectroscopic techniques for soil science applications based on the visible-infrared and mid-infrared region of the spectrum, associated with methodological developments for an improved mapping of soil parameters that were not possible before. Nevertheless, scientific bottlenecks in basic spectroscopy and modeling of soil parameters have to be explored. This session proposes a forum to present new developments in applications of reflectance spectroscopy and imaging spectroscopy in soil science. It includes soil spectral library developments and analyses, mid-infrared soil spectroscopy, soil spectroscopy as an alternative to wet chemistry, advanced modeling of soil properties and model transfer from the field to airborne and space domain, and emerging science applications (e.g. 3D soil mapping, labile vs. stable organic carbon).