Cotton yield estimation based on NOAA/AVHRR produced NDVI

The high temporal resolution of the NOAA/AVHRR satellite data can provide a n efficient and consistent way for biomass and yield monitoring and assessm ent. The reflected radiation provides an indication of the type and density of canopy. A combination of spectral bands results in the vegetation indic es, which are based on the spectral signatures of vegetation and account fo r the difference in response of the vegetation to the visible and near infr ared channels. A widely used index for vegetation monitoring is the Normali zed Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which is the normalized difference of visible (red) and near infrared channels. The condition, distribution, s tructure and the development of the vegetation through the phenological sta ges can affect the relation between yield and NDVI. The primary objective o f 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 year s. 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.