Exploring potential of C band synthetic aperture radar imagery to investigate rice crop growth mechanism and productivity

Development of satellite technology over decades established unique approach to analyze rice crop phenological parameters and supervise growth and production. Advancement in technology leads to the development of microwave remote sensing that is operational round the clock irrespective of weather conditions. An attempt has been carried out in the present study to classify and map phenological stages, namely, transplanting stage, heading stage, and harvesting stage of rice crop using Sentinel-1, MODIS Enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data. Puddling stage, transplanting stage, heading stage, and harvesting stages are identified on 05th and 15th January, 28th February, and 27th March of the year 2017, respectively. Field visits are performed frequently at sampling locations for an effective study on rice phenological stages, rice yield estimation, and mapping large-scale area using regression analysis. Estimated yield is compared with ground truth data; average yield produced from study area is 3.03 tons/acre. Methodology adopted reflected satisfactory performance with minimal error for mapping of rice phenological stages, and it is suggested to experiment with other agricultural crops.

Automated summary

The development of satellite and remote sensing technology enables continuous monitoring and classification of rice crop phenological stages, as well as mapping production areas. Researchers can estimate rice yield through field visits and statistical analysis, with satisfactory results in mapping phenological stages.