Estimating Rice LAI Using NDVI: A Method for Plant Conservation Education

Abstract

In the field of plant conservation, it has become increasingly important to incorporate advancements to make informed decisions and effectively monitor the situation. This chapter focuses on the use of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a tool derived from satellite observations like Landsat 8/9 and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to estimate the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of rice, a staple crop. The LAI, which indicates the amount of leaf surface area for photosynthesis, plays a role in determining crop yield and overall health. By utilizing NDVI for LAI estimation we can monitor rice crops on a scale without methods enabling early detection of potential threats or deficiencies. Moreover, this chapter highlights how integrating satellite-based sensing into plant conservation education holds potential for advancing our understanding and practices in this field. While the focus remains on rice, the principles and techniques elucidated have broader implications, making them adaptable to diverse crops and vegetation types. As plant diversity continues to face challenges from various anthropogenic factors, leveraging technological tools like NDVI becomes indispensable. This chapter emphasizes the intersection of technology and conservation, offering insights into novel methodologies that hold promise for the future of plant diversity and conservation education.