What is Near Infrared?

Peering into the invisible

nir_graph.jpg (74232 bytes)
bulletThe human eye can "see" light (radiation) with
wavelengths of 450-700 nm
bulletNear infrared (NIR) is the portion of the infrared
band closest to the visible band
bulletHow can we use NIR reflectance?
bulletHealthy plants will reflect more NIR light
than stressed plants
bulletWater and nitrogen reflect specific wavelengths
of NIR. These bands can be used to detect
moisture contents or nitrogen stress
bulletPhotosynthesis can be measured in some
wavelengths

 

What Can We Learn from a NIR Image?
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bullet

Area A - Soil moisture variability

bullet

Area B - Weed infestation

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Area C - Soil type variability

 

Which one is the real plant?

real_plant.jpg (123911 bytes) nir_plant.jpg (72722 bytes)
Visible light image NIR Image

* Healthy plants have a high reflectance in the NIR bands *