Soil water assessment using a P-band scatterometer and ERS-2 SAR

Soil water content is an important component that influences meso- and micro scale processes. The agricultural capacity of a site is directly affected by soil water content and is especially important in arid regions. Furthermore, climate studies face the never ending problem of trying to lay a hand on climate surface conditions. Many of these are not measured continuously and thus are not available. One of the more important parameters is soil water-content. In this study we mapped soil water content in the Negev Desert using ERS-2 with multiple look directions and utilized a P-band scatterometer. Results show water content values ranging from 4-20% volumetric, with a high correlation to ground measurements.