| Paper: | TH-A2.21 |
| Session: | Applications of Radiometry II |
| Time: | Thursday, March 29, 09:00 - 10:20 |
| Presentation: |
Poster
|
| Topic: |
Theory, physical principles and electromagnetic models: |
| Title: |
IMPACT OF SOIL MOISTURE IN AGRICULTURE IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMIARID USING WATER BALANCE AND SMOS SATELLITE DATA |
| Authors: |
Luciana Rossato; Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, IEEC/UPC and SMOS Barcelona Expert Centre | | |
| | Mercè Vall-llossera; Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, IEEC/UPC and SMOS Barcelona Expert Centre | | |
| | Adriano Camps; Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, IEEC/UPC and SMOS Barcelona Expert Centre | | |
| | David Chaparro; Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, IEEC/UPC and SMOS Barcelona Expert Centre | | |
| | María Piles; Universitat de València | | |
| | Jose Antonio Marengo; National Centre for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN) | | |
| | Alzira Gabrielle Soares Saraiva Souza; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) | | |
| Abstract: |
Several approaches have been developed to validate soil moisture products. However, it is difficult to use them in different regions, mainly due to the limited number of in situ network measurements available. For this reason, water balance models are an excellent tool for agro-meteorological studies. Based on these considerations, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of soil moisture extremes in crop yield in the Brazilian semiarid region. Severe droughts and intense rain affect the agricultural income of small farmers in this region. For this study a combined analysis of products of daily rainfall and available water capacity in the soil is used, in conjuction with data from the water balance model and satellite images from year 2012, which was affected by an intense drought. Information on agricultural income from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) was also used to assess the impact of the period of droughts and excessive rains in crop production of four types of crops (rice, beans, cassava and maize). Results show that during the drought of 2012, the most affected states were Ceará and Piauí, with a drop in the yield harvests of rice, beans and corn larger than 50% as compared to the average. Moreover, in 2012, the production of rice, cassava and maize was larger for the state of Sergipe. This study shows that the presented model for crop monitoring and forecasting in the Brazilian semiarid region could be useful for the implementation of public policies to minimize effects on the population. |
