Relationship between RADARSAT backscatter coefficient and rice growth

This study was carried out to assess the use of RADARSAT data which is C-band with HH polarization for the rice growth monitoring in Korea. Nine time-series data were taken by shallow incidence angle (standard beam mode 5 or 6) during rice growing season. And then, backscatter coefficient ($\sigma$$^{\circ}$) were extracted by calibration process for comparing with rice growth parameters such as plant height leaf area index(LAI), and fresh and dry biomass. Field experimental data concerned with rice growth were collected 8 times for the ground truth at the study area, Tangjin, Chungnam, Korea. At the maximum vegetative stage of rice, backscatter coefficients were the highest at the flooded rice field ranging from -4.4dB~-3.1dB. The temporal variation of backscatter coefficient($\sigma$$^{\circ}$) in rice field was significant in this study Backscatter coefficient ($\sigma$$^{\circ}$) of rice field was a little bit lower again after heading stage. This results show RADARSTA data is promising for rice monitoring.