PhenoSAR-Demmin (PhenoSAR) 2020 – 2026

The PhenoSAR-Demmin project is investigating the derivation of phenological times and periods from remote sensing-based time series in accordance with the current state of scientific knowledge. The data from the Sentinel-1 mission is the main focus here. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that this data provides an excellent basis for phenological monitoring. In particular, the sensitivity of radar to physiognomic changes in plants and its greater independence from the weather compared to optical systems are of great advantage here.

Based on these findings, a monitoring approach is to be developed in PhenoSAR that makes it possible to detect individual points in time as well as time periods, such as the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase. This is being done in particular with regard to the work already underway at the Demmin site. The AgriSens Demmin 4.0 project should be mentioned here in the national context. The integration of the site into the JECAM initiative, on the other hand, ensures cooperation at an international level and serves as a starting point for the envisaged spatial transfer of the monitoring approach. Furthermore, the project is closely linked to the data cube infrastructure of the Chair of Remote Sensing in order to create technical possibilities for transfer and scalability.

Background and goals

• Derivation of phenological points in time and time periods from remote sensing-based time series
• Detection of individual time points but also time periods, such as the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase
• Close link to the data cube infrastructure of the Chair of Remote Sensing (JMU)

Methodological approach

• Interferometric and polarimetric time series derived from Sentinel-1 data
• Time series analysis; derivation of inflection points and extreme values
• Assimilation of agro-meteorological data
• Cloud-based analyses of remote sensing data

Expected results

The expected outcome is a monitoring framework for recognising different stages of plant growth and their transition with a focus on improved transferability and scalability.