This is a study to investigate the applications of new remote sensing sensors (MODIS, ASTER, IKONOS) in assessing crop condition and final yields. This research investigates the integration of physiological parameters derived from remotely sensed data with crop simulation models. 

Objective:

1. Validation of LAI, fPar and Biomass derived from crop simulation models using local climate data and parameters from remote sensing data.
2. Compare results of model simulations and sampled LAI and biomass data with MODIS derivations.
3. Compare vegetation indices developed from space-borne satellites at multiple resolutions and ground-truth measurements at field scales. 
4. Validate crop yield simulations that use input parameters derived from remotely sensed data with yield data collected at the farm level.

Contact person: Dr. Paul Doraiswamy 
USDA/ARS 
Hydrology and Remote Sensing Lab. 
Beltsville, MD 20705 
pdoraisw@asrr.arsusda.gov

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