Satellite-Driven Evaluation of Moisture Dynamics for Irrigation Management in a Semi-Arid Apple Orchard

Authors : Alperay Altıkat

Pages : 160-171

Doi:10.46876/ja.1700703

View : 40 | Download : 221

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Sustainable water management is crucial for maintaining long-term productivity in orchard systems situated in semi-arid environments. This study uses satellite-derived spectral and thermal indices to present a six-year remote sensing-based analysis (2020–2025) of moisture variability in a commercial apple orchard. The research integrates multiple metrics to evaluate soil-plant-atmosphere interactions, enabling the detection of hydrological stress periods and recovery phases through spatial and temporal diagnostics. The findings reveal that the orchard experienced critical water stress in 2020 and 2022, characterized by low canopy and surface moisture across most field zones, which coincided with intensified atmospheric water loss. In contrast, 2025 represented a year of partial recovery, where improved spectral responses aligned with lower evapotranspiration intensity. The year 2024 exhibited a notable anomaly: despite low moisture indicators, vegetation performance was sustained, pointing to localized efficiency in water use or unobserved subsurface retention mechanisms. Spatial mapping revealed distinct dry zones recurring across years, primarily in the northern and eastern sectors of the orchard, underscoring the need for spatially adaptive irrigation practices. The combined index approach offered a more nuanced understanding of water distribution patterns than any single metric could achieve alone. These insights support more responsive and data-driven water management strategies under variable climatic conditions. The study contributes to the growing knowledge on the operational use of remote sensing in precision agriculture. It highlights the integration of spectral moisture indices with thermal water loss metrics to improve field-level decision-making, reduce irrigation inefficiencies, and enhance resilience to climate-induced water challenges in fruit production systems.
Keywords : Spectral indices, canopy stress, soil moisture variability, orchard hydrology, thermal analysis, water-use efficiency, precision agriculture

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