Experimental validation of an electromagnetic model for rice crops using a wide-band polarimetric radar

A physics-based electromagnetic model specially tailored for the computation of the radar backscatter from rice crops is being developed. The model produces estimates of the coherent polarimetric backscatter response as a function of the sensor parameters and the physical description of the scene. This model is currently under validation against experimental data gathered in the European Microwave Signature Laboratory (EMSL). First results, obtained by a direct comparison of simulated and measured backscattering coefficients (with HH, HV and VV polarizations), show a reasonable agreement. The dependence on incidence angle, frequency and morphological characteristics of the rice plants is currently being assessed.