Monitoring soil salinity and waterlogging using satellite images

Abstract

Irrigated agriculture Monitoring soil salinity and waterlogging using satellite images The consequences of incorrect management or incorrect selection of irrigation areas can be disastrous, causing irrigation areas to become waterlogged and/or salt-affected, thus making them unfit for continued sustainable irrigation. It is clear from available information that the extent of degradation varies considerably between irrigation schemes in South Africa and also over time within the same irrigation scheme. Since the late 1980s no national effort has been made to determine the extent of waterlogging and salt accumulation across irrigation schemes in South Africa. Indications are that soil and water quality are declining and these problems are in fact escalating. Quantifying the extent of waterlogging and salt accumulation is crucial to identify soils for drainage and reclamation. Traditionally, soil salinity has been measured by collecting soil samples on-site for analysis.

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