Assessing the Seasonal Dynamics of the Java’s Paddy Field Using MODIS Satellite Images

Abstract

Accurate information of paddy fields over wide areas is essential to support sustainable agricultural and a food security program. Monitoring of these lands continuously, using remote sensing technology, will provide information related to the cropping intensity in the field, as well as its dynamics change. We characterized seasonal vegetation dynamics from long-term multi-temporal MODIS satellite datasets in order to determine cropping intensity and to analyze the dynamics change in paddy field of Java. The results indicate that the methodology employed in this research distinguished many specific uses in paddy fields as means of their cropping intensity. Moreover, the seasons were the most important factor affected the dynamics change in the agricultural system. Extreme climate variability caused many paddy fields, especially in non-irrigated land, to remain barren as well the planting time was postponed. Indeed, characterizing the long-term vegetation dynamics of paddy field provides information about the characteristics and trends in these land use types, either caused by natural factors or human activities.