C-band backscattering from corn canopies

A frequency-modulated continuous-wave C-band (4.8 GHz) scattero-meter was mounted on an aerial lift truck and backscatter coefficients of corn (Zea mays L.) were acquired as functions of polarizations, view angles and row directions. As phytomass and green-leaf area index increased, the backscatter also increased. Near anthesis, when the canopies were fully developed, the major scattering elements were located in the upper 1 m of the 2.8 m tall canopy and little backscatter was measured below that level for view angles of 30° or greater. C-band backscatter data could provide information to monitor tillage operations at small view zenith angles and vegetation at large view zenith angles.