Modeling and Analysis of Foliage Environment Using Wideband Radar System

Foliage penetrating (FOPEN) radar can see through foliage in clear weather as well as in presence of dust, smoke, rain and haze. Foliage is a complex clutter environment and target detection in this environment is a highly critical task. The dielectric constant of foliage depends upon the bulk density and gravimetric moisture content of foliage. These parameters depend upon the crop growth stages and crop density. This paper presents an approach for modelling and analysis of foliage environment backscatter, for critical understanding of the backscattering behaviour of targets in complex clutter environment. Foliage environment is modelled and A- and, B- scans are analyzed having two different dielectric contrast targets (Aluminum and Teflon) using sugarcane as foliage. The proposed modelling is helpful to develop an experimental wide band FOPEN system for dense foliage system to achieve fine range resolution.