Project Number: 1265-13610-027-60
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Mar 01, 2007
End Date: Sep 30, 2007

Objective:
Develop a methodology to disaggregate NASS state level crop yield estimates made in August to country and Agricultural Statistics District estimates using MODIS imagery and climate data.

Approach:
NASS/USDA has the mandate to report crop yields by state at the end of the crop season. Ground-based statistical samples of crop parameters are collected during the season and a final estimate based on statistical methods. Crop yields at country and agricultural statistics district (ASD) levels is needed to complement the state estimates in a timely manner. The proposal research will develop quantitative assessment of crop yield by analyzing the cumulative normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values derived from MODIS imagery for selected periods of crop development and integrating with climatic data. A yield potential index will be developed for each county and ASD. NASS will multiply the incides with their state estimates to assess the yield for each county ASD within the state.