Dependence of X-, C-, and L-band measurements to soil moisture on vegetated fields. A comparison of airborne scatterometer and SAR data

Multitemporal X-, C- and L-band DLR E-SAR images (7 dates between May 30 and July 30, 1992) were analysed in regard to the radar capabilities for soil moisture measurements during the growing season. These results are compared to X-, C, and L-band airborne scatterometer data from two over-flights under dry and wet conditions. The influence of the row direction on the radar backscatter signal is illustrated. The results indicate that L-band data show good correlation to soil moisture under vegetation, although the row orientation has to be taken into account