Evaluation of red and red-edge reflectance-based vegetation indices for rice biomass and grain yield prediction models in paddy fields

摘要

Remote sensing-based nitrogen (N) management has been evaluated in many crops. The water background and wide range of varieties in rice (Oryza sativa), are unique features that require additional consideration when using sensor technology. The commonly calculated normalized difference vegetation index is of limited use when the crop has reached complete canopy closure. The objective of this research was to evaluate mid-season agronomic parameter and grain yield prediction models along with the effect of water background and of different varieties using a red- and red-edge-based vegetation index. Varieties x N trials were established at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station located in Crowley, Louisiana in 2011 and 2012. Canopy spectral reflectance under clear and turbid water, biomass yield, N content, plant coverage, and water depth were collected each week for three consecutive weeks beginning 2 weeks before panicle differentiation. Grain yield was also determined. Water turbidity had an influence on spectral reflectance when canopy coverage was less than 50 %. While water depth influenced red reflectance, this was not carried over when reflectance was transformed to vegetation indices. The red-edge-based vegetation indices, especially those computed by ratio, had stronger relationships with measured agronomic parameters as compared with red-based indices. Furthermore, the effect of variety on the yield prediction model was observed using derivative-based red-edge indices but not with other ratio-based indices. Future researches should focus on developing a generalized yield prediction model using ratio-based red-edge indices across different varieties to extend its applicability in production fields.