Rice crop parameter retrieval using multi-temporal, multi-incidence angle Radarsat SAR data

Temporal RADARSAT Standard beam SAR data of different incidence angle were analysed to study the temporal backscatter of rice crop for a predominant rice-growing region in West Bengal, India. Correlation studies of backscatter with crop growth parameters were carried out. Second order polynomial was the best fit obtained for crop age and crop height. Shallow angle data (> 40°) was found better correlated to crop height than steep angle (23°) data. Inversion algorithm was used to generate spatial maps of crop height and age. The results validated over a village showed an over all 90% accuracy.