Shortwave infrared detection of vegetation

Shortwave infrared sensors were included on the Thematic Mapper (TM) to observe vegetation reflected radiance patterns related to water leaf content. Analysis of field measurements for corn and soybeans throughout the growing season showed that shortwave infrared measurements enhance discrimination between the species, particularly in midseason. A numerical model of the canopy reflectance showed that differential leaf absorptance can produce the observed patterns. Analysis of coincident studies of leaf optical properties were conducted to generalize the results to other types of vegetation.