Rededge

Rededge refers to the spectral region of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies just beyond the visible red light, typically ranging from approximately 700 to 750 nanometers (nm). This region is of particular interest in remote sensing and agriculture, as it is highly sensitive to the health and vigor of vegetation. The rededge band is used in various remote sensing applications, including satellite imagery and aerial photography, to monitor plant health, assess crop conditions, and detect changes in vegetation cover.

The rededge band is chosen because it corresponds to a wavelength where chlorophyll absorption is minimal, and the reflectance of healthy vegetation is relatively high. This makes it possible to distinguish between healthy and stressed vegetation. In contrast, the near-infrared (NIR) region, which follows the rededge, is strongly absorbed by chlorophyll, making it useful for estimating leaf area index and biomass.

Rededge imagery is often used in conjunction with other spectral bands, such as blue, green, red, and NIR, to create vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). These indices help in quantifying vegetation health and productivity, which is crucial for agricultural management, environmental monitoring, and climate research.

The rededge band is also utilized in precision agriculture for targeted applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, thereby optimizing resource use and improving crop yields. Additionally, it plays a role in environmental studies, such as monitoring deforestation, assessing the impact of climate change on ecosystems, and studying the carbon cycle.