Use of MODIS and OLI/TIRS to estimate TVDI and Surface Moisture in Agricultural Monitoring Programs

Abstract

One of the major challenges for effective agricultural activity monitoring systems is defining robust indicators of spatial and temporal variability for the main risk factors associated with crop production. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the potential of the Temperature-Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI), obtained by terrestrial and orbital sensors from soybean production areas in southern Brazil, in generating spatial and temporal patterns of the main risk factor, surface moisture, to be incorporated in operational agricultural monitoring systems. For this purpose, MODIS Terra and Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS sensor images were used, as well as data from surface positioned sensors to serve as a reference. The study area encompassed one soybean crop area, soybean mapped crop areas near the experimental area, and the municipality of Carazinho-RS. The experimental area was analyzed during the soybean growing season. As the TVDI data estimated by OLI/TIRS and MODIS sensors were coherent and robust, both sensors can be used in conjunction for agricultural risk monitoring. Its main features are continuous monitoring of large production regions by TVDIMODIS and spatial distribution detailing by TVDIOLI/TIRS in critical periods to water deficit.