Microwave Radiometry of Vegetation Canopies
Research into microwave radiation from the Earth’s surface in the presence of vegetation canopies, as well as the development of algorithms for retrieval of soil and vegetation parameters from microwave radiometric measurements, have been actively conducted for the last 30 years by scientific groups worldwide. The capability of the microwave radiometric method to determine soil moisture and vegetation biometric indices was revealed 25 years ago by the author and his colleagues. Soil moisture and vegetation covers play a key role in the hydrological cycle and in water and energy transfer on the border of land surface and atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration. Accomplishment of large international projects shows that microwave radiometry of soil and vegetation has become an instrument of practical application and operational use. A systematic account of questions concerning the microwave radiometry of the Earth’s surface in the presence of vegetation canopies is the main objective of the book.
Microwave Dielectric Behaviour of Wet Soils
This book, aimed for agriculture and soil physicists and those working in the areas of remote sensing, deals with the physical and dielectric properties of soils, methods of soil, dielectric measurements using microwaves and remote sensing techniques. Some of the results on soil moisture measurements, theoretical models of soil moisture data and the recently used synthetic aperture radar techniques for the purpose of remote sensing and their interpretation of soil moistures are also discussed. The course contents are developed and updated with the help of the latest literature available which will help bridge the existing need of scientists in the area.
Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing : Estimation of Agricultural Crop Biomass Water Equivalent
Provides methods for the estimation of Biomass Water Equivalent (BEW), an essential step for improving the accuracy of area-wide soil moisture by cosmic-ray neutron sensors (CRNS). Three techniques are explained in detail: (i) traditional in-situ destructive sampling, (ii) satellite based remote sensing of plant surfaces, and (iii) biomass estimation via the use of the CRNS itself. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed along with step by step instructions on proper procedures and implementation.


