The Feasibility of Remotely Sensed Near-Infrared Reflectance for Soil Moisture Estimation for Agricultural Water Management

In-depth knowledge about soil moisture dynamics is crucial for irrigation management in precision agriculture. This study evaluates the feasibility of high spatial resolution near-infrared remote sensing with unmanned aerial systems estimation to provide decision support management. A new trapezoid model based on transformed reflectance (NTR) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) introduced used mapping root zone plant extractable water. The performance proposed approach was evaluated via comparison ground measurements advanced time domain reflectometry sensors. We found estimates NTR−NDVI be highly correlated measurements. believe that presented shows great potential farm-scale but acknowledge more research different cropping systems, textures, climatic conditions needed make viable application by crop producers.