Crop phenology---- ground truth for crop monitoring and yield estimation

The dataset contains the ground-based observations of crop growth stages for Canada's prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) from 2019 to 2020. Crop growth stages were visually observed from the side of the fields on a weekly cycle until the fields were harvested. The BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scale was used to stage growth. The BBCH scale used to classify fields of canola, corn, soybean, spring wheat, peas, and barley,   is described in the document “Crop Identification and BBCH Staging Manual” (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2011). The BBCH scale for Lentil is described in the document “BBCH_STAGING_MANUAL_Lentils” (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2020)

 Field boundaries were identified on Google Earth and verified by direct observation after the crop on each had reached an early stage of development and could be clearly distinguished from surrounding fields. When multiple stages occurred together within a field, the leading phenology was used.

These survey point sources can be used to train or validate models for crop growth monitoring and yield estimation.