Integrated Evaluation of Vegetation Drought Stress through Satellite Remote Sensing

In the coming decades, Bulgaria is expected to be affected by higher air temperatures and decreased precipitation, which will significantly increase risk of droughts, forest ecosystem degradation loss services (ES). Drought in terrestrial ecosystems characterized reduced water storage soil vegetation, affecting function landscapes ES they provide. An interdisciplinary assessment required for an accurate evaluation drought impact. this study, we introduce innovative, experimental methodology, incorporating remote sensing methods a system approach evaluate vegetation stress complex systems (landscapes ecosystems) are influenced various factors. The elevation land cover type key climate-forming factors impact ecosystem’s vegetation’s response drought. Their influence cannot sufficiently gauged traditional sensing-based index. Therefore, based on differences between spectral reflectance individual natural types, near-optimal state divided elevation, assigned coefficients normalization. normalization were introduced order facilitate comparison effect throughout heterogeneous territory. obtained coefficient (DC) shows patterns temporal, spatial, interspecific stress. accuracy methodology examined field measurements reflectance, statistical analysis validation using profiles.