Evaluation of the Response of Vegetation Covers to PolSAR Decomposition Variables in L - Band

The accurate detection and characterization of vegetation covers are essential to support monitoring and prevention actions in different fields of application, ranging from agricultural management to environmental conservation. Polarimetric decompositions over L-band SAR data (SAOCOM) were evaluated here to enable it. Cameron [1], Van zyl [2], Generalyzed Freeman Durden [2], Cloud-Pottier [3], Yamaguchi [4], GRVI [5] and Cloude [2] decompositions were explored in two contrasting seasons (winter and summer, dry and rainy seasons in the study area, respectively) to differentiate vegetation cover types in Chaco serrano (Córdoba, Argentina). Differences between vegetation covers were found, particularly between grasslands, shrublands and forests. Specifically, the volume components, which exhibited significant differences between seasons for all vegetation covers, would be suitable for studying vegetation phenology from time series data.