Simulation and analysis for the microwave backscattering coefficient of rice

Based on the Vector Radiative Transfer Theory (VRT), a first-order microwave backscattering model for rice canopy is presented. The rice canopy is characterized as uniform layer containing leaves and stems, while the spike of rice is omitted. The probability distribution of the size and orientation of the leaves and stems of rice is obtained by the statistics of the field measurement. The model takes into account all the main physical processes, including the scattering and extinction of the leaves and stems in the rice canopy and the reflection of the underlying water. The backscattering coefficient of the rice canopy is calculated using the model. According to the simulation results, the variations of the rice backscattering coefficient with the time, incidence angle, wavelength and polarization are discussed. Some valuable quantitative results and practical conclusions are summarized.