Analyzing the phenologic dynamics of kudzu (Pueraria montana) infestations using remote sensing and the normalized difference vegetation index.

Abstract

Non-native invasive species are one of the major threats to worldwide ecosystems. Kudzu (Pueraria montana) is a fast-growing vine native to Asia that has invaded regions in the United States making management of this species an important issue. Estimated normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values for the years 2000 to 2015 were calculated using data collected by Landsat and MODIS platforms for three infestation sites in Kentucky. The STARFM image-fusing algorithm was used to combine Landsat- and MODIS-derived NDVI into time series with a 30 m spatial resolution and 16 day temporal resolution. The fused time series was decomposed using the Breaks for Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) algorithm. Results showed that fused NDVI could be estimated for the three sites but could not detect changes over time. Combining this method with field data collection and other types of analyses may be useful for kudzu monitoring and management

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