Backscattering modeling of wheat using vector radiative transfer theory

Abstract

A microwave backscattering model of winter wheat based on the vector radiative transfer theory has been established. The model focused on the distribution of wheat ears that are directly related to the yield. In addition, characteristics of the wheat growth have been adequately considered. Compared to the measured values, the model effectively simulated the microwave backscattering characteristics of winter wheat. Intercomparison of the winter wheat model and modified Michigan Microwave Canopy Scattering (MIMICS) model using experimental data shows that the winter wheat model had better cross-polarized simulation results than the modified MIMICS model did. This improvement was attributed to the special attention paid to the cross-polarization after the booting stage. After booting, wheat ear started to appear and grow in size. Wheat ear contributed greatly to cross-polarized backscatter. The inclusion of the ear as one of the model components was significant in modeling the observed cross-polarized backscattering.