Sensing of crop properties

Abstract

Sensing of crops by visible and infrared reflectance allows estimating the chlorophyll concentration within leaves as well as the leaf-area-index. The product of the chlorophyll concentration within leaves and the leaf-area-index supplies the chlorophyll content per unit field area. Recording this criterion repeatedly during the season provides reliable estimates of the site-specific yield potential as based on past growing conditions. Fluorescent light too can sense the chlorophyll concentration within leaves or the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of crops. Infrared reflectance as well as thermal radiation can be used to get information about the site-specific water supply of crops. From the backscatter of radar waves, information about the biomass, the leaf-area-index and especially about the crop species for vegetation classification within large agricultural areas can be obtained. Proximal sensing from farm machines allows direct site-specific control of farm operations in real-time. On the other hand, remote sensing from satellites lends itself for repeated recording of fields or larger areas during the growing season. Yet remote sensing needs radiation that can penetrate the atmosphere.