Evaluation of corn water condition: A thermal infrared remote sensing approach

Abstract

A methodology that uses remote sensing data in the thermal infrared spectral band (8-14 μ m) to detect water stress in com (Zea mays L.) is presented. Using hourly canopy radiant temperature measured with a PRT-5 radiometer and air temperature during a crop reproductive period, an index that can be used to show the different water conditions at each experiment plot was derived. This index is correlated with com yield, and a discussion about the better time of data recording was made. The results showed that the methodology used is efficient for all the proposed objectives.