Chapter 7

Satellite Remote Sensing in Agriculture

(book excerpts)

Satellite remote sensing refers to the acquisition of information via satellite-mounted sensors that measure the intensity of radiation in a particular range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Some of these sensors measure visible light or near-infrared radiation (multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing, LiDAR), whereas others measure microwave radiation (radar). These sensors detect and record reflected or emitted energy from the Earth, allowing scientists to monitor various aspects of the environment. It can be either active, where the satellite emits a signal and measures the reflected signal, or passive, where it simply detects naturally emitted or reflected energy. This technology allows farmers and researchers to track crop growth, detect changes in vegetation health, determine soil properties, measure the extent of land use, and monitor environmental conditions from a distance. By analyzing satellite images, farmers can detect problems early, such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases, and take corrective actions before they cause significant damage to crops. The data obtained from satellite imagery can also be used to optimize irrigation schedules, predict yield, and estimate crop production. Remote sensing satellites are characterized by being near-polar, near-circular, sun-synchronous, and low-earth orbits. One of the major advantages of satellite remote sensing is the capability to observe large regions of the Earth quickly.

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