Generating a synthetic data base of polarimetric signatures to exploit SAOCOM observations over Pampas

This paper reports model simulations of L band backscattering for dominant crops in Pampas region (Argentina). The objective is to exploit L band signatures that will be provided by SAOCOM SAR. For corn, sunflower, soybeans and wheat, a previously developed theoretical model has been run with input data sets representative of these crops. Results of parametric simulations, covering realistic ranges of crop height and soil moisture, are shown. Validation results, based on measurements in Italy and the US are also presented. The models were further run using ground measurements directly collected in Pampas, where radar experimental campaigns are in progress.