Estimation of above ground biomass in Indian tropical forested area using multi-frequency DLR-ESAR data
Author(s) – Vyjayanthi Nizalapur, Chandra Sekhar Jha and Rangaswamy Madugundu
ABSTRACT
This paper presents experimental results obtained with DLR-ESAR airborne data in C, L and P-bands over the parts of Gujarat, India. The aim is to estimate the above ground biomass and quantify various levels of above ground forest biomass with the help of empirical relationship of the backscattering coefficients and ground inventory. Extensive field data were collected to characterize forest vegetation parameters in the plots. Ground inventory data viz., GBH, tree height was collected. Plot level above ground tree biomass (AGB) is estimated from the collected ground data using the existing allometric equations at stand level in the study area. Regression analysis is carried out between above ground biomass and backscatter coefficient of C, L and P- bands in VV polarization. The obtained regression equation was used to estimate the above ground biomass from ESAR data in C, L and P- bands. Results showed that with increase in the biomass levels, backscattering coefficient also increases and C-band ESAR data is capable of predicting biomass up to 70 Mg/ha, L-band upto 150 Mg/ha and P-band upto 200 Mg/ha. Comparison of the estimated above ground biomass of airborne microwave DLR-ESAR data in C, L and P-bands was also carried out.