Hyperspectral discrimination of halophytic vegetation as an indicator of stressed arable land

The spectral properties of eleven Australian halophytic grass species were analysed for key spectral characteristics to assist in hyperspectral image interpretation and mapping. Six halophyte species were successfully mapped using hyperspectral imagery over an area suffering from dry‐land salinity in central west NSW. The resultant class map of halophytes was statistically compared to interpolated electrical conductivity data via a confusion matrix. Variations in the spatial abundance of different halophyte species are shown to significantly reflect the level of landscape stress in terms of salt scalding and electrical conductivity. This illustrates the ability of such technology to map environmental stress as indicated by halophyte populations.