Monitoring of forage conditions with MODIS imagery in the Xilingol steppe, Inner Mongolia

摘要: A study was conducted to determine the potential suitability of Terra/MODIS imagery for monitoring short-term phenological changes in forage conditions a semi-arid region. The sites included four meadow steppes and six typical Xilingol steppe central Inner Mongolia, China. live biomass, dead standing total crude protein (CP) concentration CP were estimated from early April late October using Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) values Terra (500 m pixels). Applying regression models, EVI accounted 80% variation 42% 77% 11% 74% CP. MODIS/EVI is superior AVHRR/NDVI when estimating quantity. these results, seasonal biomass could be described selected with different degrees grazing intensity. Generally, increase intensity tended decrease It suggested that obtained an available predictor condition as measured by provide information on suitable timing cutting hay-making nutritive value range managers.