Cotton yield estimation based on NOAA/AVHRR produced NDVI

The high temporal resolution of the NOAA/AVHRR satellite data can provide an efficient and consistent way for biomass and yield monitoring and assessment. The reflected radiation provides an indication of the type and density of canopy. A combination of spectral bands results in the vegetation indices, which are based on the spectral signatures of vegetation and account for the difference in response of the vegetation to the visible and near infrared channels. A widely used index for vegetation monitoring is the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is the normalized difference of visible (red) and near infrared channels. The condition, distribution, structure and the development of the vegetation through the phenological stages can affect the relation between yield and NDVI. The primary objective of this study consists of examining the feasibility of applying a regression model for cotton yield monitoring by using the NDVI. NOAA/AVHRR images of six areas covered with cotton have been examined for a period of three years. The results show that the temporal variability of cotton yield from year to year can be monitored by the use of NDVI. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.