Sentinel-1 interferometric coherence as a vegetation index for agriculture

In this study, the use of Sentinel-1 interferometric coherence data as a tool for crop monitoring has been explored. For purpose, time series images acquired by and 2 spanning 2017 have analysed. The study site is an agricultural area in Sevilla, Spain, where 16 different species were cultivated during that year. 6-day repeat-pass measured at each polarimetric channel (VV VH), well their difference, compared to NDVI backscattering ratio (VH/VV) other indices based on backscatter. contribution decorrelation sources effect bias from space-averaged sample magnitude estimation evaluated. Likewise, usage 12 days temporal baseline was tested. carried three orbits, characterised incidence angles acquisition times. All results support using measure growing season, it shows good correlations with (R2>0.7), its evolution fits main phenological stages crops. Although own evolution, performance vegetation index high most them. VV generally more correlated than VH. types low plant density, difference decreases, VH even showing higher correlation values some cases. few types, such rice, outperforms following growth plants. Since both are directly computed radar images, they could be used complementary information purpose. Notably, performs without need compensating thermal noise or due finite equivalent number looks.