Integration of Optical and Microwave Satellite Data for Monitoring Vegetation Status in Sorghum Fields

In this paper an integrated approach by using microwave and optical satellite data, respectively acquired by Sentinel-1 (S-1) and Sentinel-2 (S-2) was presented for monitoring vegetation status. Experimental data and electromagnetic models have been combined to relate backscattering from S-1 and optical indices from S-2 t to plant conditions, which were evaluated by measuring the vegetation photochemical reflectance index (PRI), the vegetation and the soil water content. Field data were collected in two sorghum fields close to Florence in Tuscany (Central Italy) dur-ing summers 2022 and 2023. The results show significant correlations between microwave and optical data with respect to field measurements, highlighting the potential of remote sensing techniques for agricultural monitoring and management, also in response to climate change.