Shortwave infrared detection of vegetation

The potential of short wave infrared (SWIR) measurements in vegetation discrimination is further substantiated through a discussion of field studies and an examination of the physical bases which cause SWIR measurements to vary with the vegetation type observed. The research reported herein supported the AGRISTARS program objective to incorporate TM measurements in the analysis of agricultural activity. Field measurements on corn and soybeans in Iowa were conducted, and the mean and variance of canopy reflectance were computed for each observation date. The Suits canopy reflectance model was used to evaluate possible explanations of the observed corn/soybeans reflectance patterns /39/. The SWIR measurements were shown to effectively discriminate corn and soybeans on the basis of leaf absorption properties