Remote sensing validation with in-situ measurements for efficient crop irrigation management

The multi-spectral data acquired with either satellite imagery, UAV or tethered and stratospheric balloons can be used to calculate vegetation indices directly related to the well-being of the crops providing a quantitative information about its health and growth. The vegetation indices are calculated combining measurements from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, typically in the visible and near-infrared ranges. The aim of this work is to integrate the remote sensing data with in-situ collected measurements in order to validate remote observations for monitoring soybean water status and requirements. The study is conducted in Italy on a field of 160 x 40 m2, divided into four plots of 40 x 40 m2; two of them are irrigated at 100% of the CRW (Crop Water Requirement) and two irrigated at 70% of CWR. In each plot tensiometers and capacitive probes directly measure the soil moisture, along with a climate station used to monitor environmental parameters. The in-situ data are ...