Mid-infrared backscatter spectra of selected agricultural crops

Active mid-infrared backscatter characteristics of various agricultural crop leaves were measured at different wavelengths in the 9-11 m spectral range at varied angles of incidence under both co-polarized and cross-polarized conditions. Measurements indicate that differences exist in the backscatter signatures between crop species and also among different strains of the same species. Backscatter is also seen to depend on the leaf moisture. Our preliminary studies demonstrate the potential of using active mid-infrared backscatter characteristics to remotely identify certain crop fypes and monitor their leaf moisture content. 1.