Temporal and Spatial Delineation the Rice Growing Stages for Cropping Calendar Estimation in the Southern of Vietnam using Remote Sensing

Abstract

Background: MODerate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) is the crucial instrument aboard. It provides global maps of several land surface characteristics. Methods: The study uses MODIS to delineate the rice sowing and progress of the rice cropping calendar in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The study used multi-time series of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) images from 250 m spatial resolution MOD13Q1 images with 16-day combination to determine rice sowing/planting and harvesting schedules (from 01/01/2008 to 30/09/2009). Using 82 MODIS images, the study calculates the NDVI time series for rice sowing/transplanting stages in the Mekong Delta. Over time, the relationship between NDVI values and the rice cropping stages determines each cropping season starting and ending time. Result: As a result, we delineate three (3) major rice cropping systems and eight (8) cropping seasons. In which Main Winter-Spring and Early Summer-Autumn and Late Main Winter-Spring and Main Summer-Autumn cropping seasons dominated. MODIS satellite images are efficient and helpful for determining the current state of rice evolution. It is suitable for the regional or national level, which can provide quick and low-cost information for managers and decision-makers to select the proper strategies for crop management.