Using reflectance sensing in precision irrigation management and scheduling under arid conditions

Timeline

January 2015 - January 2016

Thematic Area(s)

Crop productivity and diversification

Problem Overview

Canopy reflectance is a very accurate and direct index of water in plants compared to soil humidity sensing or climate monitoring used currently for irrigation scheduling. This novel technique offers a precision solution for irrigation, especially in arid regions suffering from water scarcity where water should be saved. The use of reflectance sensing has been widely practiced for drought monitoring in several regions in the world through remote sensing. According to literature, this technology has not been used yet for daily irrigation management and scheduling.

Purpose

Through this project, a new method using canopy spectral reflectance sensors to control irrigation will be developed and correlation between soil moisture and canopy temperature will be elaborated for better irrigation scheduling. Field experiments will be carried out to evaluate the reflectance variation with water stress. Indices like NDVI and PRI (Photochemical Reflectance Index) will be measured by using a spectral reflectance sensor, which will serve as key irrigation scheduling parameters.

Partner(s)