Product Description:

Crop Density

What is Crop Density

The crop density product provides an indicator of biomass productivity by measureing the density of green
plant material as a percentage, as seen from above. Crop density is measured on a percentage scale of 0% –
100%. This value is derived from a RapidEye proprietary algorithm factoring in the reflective properties of
visible bare soil along with the reflective properties of green vegetation. As crop density increases more green
plant material is available to intercept photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). A higher crop density value
represents larger concentrations of green plant material resulting in more light being captured for
photosynthesis.

As a crop matures the density of green plant material increases allowing the plant to intercept more PAR for
photosynthesis. Crops react to stress conditions with reduced leaf growth, this in turn reduces light
absorption, increases light reflection and lowers crop density values. Low crop density values usually indicate
a crop risk is present. Missing plants, non-optimal growth conditions such as water holding capacity or
nutrient deficiency, insects and disease are common contributors.

How are the images generated

Green plants show a different spectral behavior than bare soil. Since they use the light for photosynthesis,
they reflect less light in the visible range than soil. However, in the near infra-red region which cannot be used
for photosynthesis, plants reflect more light in order to stay cool. RapidEye uses a proprietary algorithm
based on the red and near infrared bands to determine crop density values.

What can it be used for

Being a measure of the cumulative effects of growth conditions experienced since germination, the crop
density image is a good indicator for crop productivity and valuable for creating management zones to target
soil and tissue sampling, scouting activities or variable rate planting and application operations for any crop.

Crop density images can be used to make comparisons across many fields or within a single field. When
several images are used throughout the season, problem zones over very large areas can be identified early
and efficiently allowing crop risks to be dealt with before severe damage occurs. The crop density images are
often used to create zones for targeted field operation such as soil sampling, tissue sampling, and scouting
reducing windshield and in-field time along with creating variable rate applications.

Key features

 No financial commitment required

 No minimum acreage required
 No preordering
 Targeted satellite coverage
 Repeatability
 Valuable with any crop
 Easy creation of management zones
 Targeted scouting, tissue & soil sampling
 Image available 72hrs after acquisition