Why does the color of soil affect soil temperateure?

Answer 1

As sunlight hits the soil, some of the light is reflected and some is absorbed. The energy that is absorbed causes the soil to heat up, while the reflected energy does not. Objects (including soil) that are lighter in color reflect more light than those that are dark. Therefore, light-colored soil absorbs less solar energy than dark soil.

This is the same phenomenon that causes dark objects like a black motorcycle seat or dark asphalt to become extremely hot in the summer sun, while other objects, like a white tabletop, remain quite cool.