Investigating the capability of C-band radar to monitor wheat characteristics

Abstract

Multitemporal ERS signatures of wheat crops are simulated by the vegetation scattering model developed at Tor Vergata University using detailed ground data as inputs. Model simulations are compared with experimental data collected at the French Orgeval site in 1996 and 1997. The agreement between experimental and simulated data is generally successful. Model simulations can predict the monitoring capabilities of current and near future satellite radars, such as ERS, RADARSAT and ENVISAT/ASAR.