Written by Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE)
Rapid advancements in computer science and the growing availability of satellite Earth observation (EO) data are transforming agriculture and water management. EO offers timely, accurate, and reliable information for agricultural and water resources monitoring across different spatial resolutions. This information is of crucial importance, especially in the context of climate change. By utilizing EO data, farmers, water managers, scientists, and policymakers can more effectively address the issues brought on by climate change.
Climate change challenges
Utilization of satellite EO can help address several environmental challenges caused by climate change including:
- Water scarcity
- Drought
- Floods
- Soil health
- Crop health
- Food security
Earth observation as an ally
Satellite EO reduces the need for time-consuming and often costly ground monitoring by offering a multitude of data on agrometeorological and ecohydrological parameters. Some of these key parameters are:
- Evapotranspiration
- Rainfall and rainfall patterns
- Temperature
- Vegetation health
- Soil moisture
Satellite spectral indices used for water and agricultural monitoring
The development of numerous satellite spectral indices, EO helps farmers, water managers and policymakers to make informed decisions towards optimal management under climate crisis. Table 1 shows a list of these spectral indices.
Index | Definition |
NDVI | The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index provides information about crop health by quantifying vegetation greenness |
EVI | The Enhanced Vegetation Index is the advanced version of NDVI with the same function |
NDWI | The Normalized Difference Water Index provides information about soil and crop moisture content |
SPEI | The Standardized Precipitation Index is used to estimate wet and dry condition based on the difference between precipitation and evapotranspiration |
MSI | The Moisture Stress Index provides information about vegetation water stress |
SMI | The Soil Moisture Index provides information of how wet or dry is the soil |
Conclusion
Satellite Earth Observation is becoming a necessity for contemporary agricultural and water management. Moreover, EO supports global efforts to adapt to climate change, protect food security, and maximize resource use by offering vital information on soil, plant, and hydrological properties.
