Evaluation of Ku-band QuikSCAT scatterometer data for rice crop growth stage assessment.

A study has been carried out to analyse the high temporal Ku-band scatterometer data from QuikSCAT with 4.45 km resolution for regional assessment of rice crop phenology. Four-day composite data were used covering the two predominant rice-growing states in India during the monsoon season of 2004. These data were registered with reference to a rice map derived from RADARSAT SAR data of the same season in order to select predominant rice sites. Analysis shows the dual peak backscatter profile of rice crop (at tillering stage and another at maturity). Minima of the backscatter profile were found to coincide with the heading. The derived heading stage using a lognormal curve fitting matched well with the observed dates. The slope of the second peak varied with crop variety, and shows the potential of correlation with the panicle characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]