Phytomass estimation using eMODIS NDVI and ground data in arid rangelands of Morocco

[en] The assessment of rangeland productivity in semi-extensively grazed arid rangelands is a prerequisite for livestock management in relation to sustainable use of pastoral resources. The objective of this study was to assess rangeland productivity based on normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) images. Data on phytomass were measured on 61 field samples in arid rangelands of Morocco, covering various rangeland categories during autumn (November) and spring (April), i.e. when phytomass is at low and high levels, respectively, for two consecutive years (2008 and 2009). Dekadal EROS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (eMODIS) NDVI data were linearly regressed to field measurements for these four periods. Results show that phytomass values were correlated with NDVI during spring, with R 2 and RMSE values of 0.82 and 0.3 t ha−1, respectively. This study indicates there is a high potential for operational use of remotely sensed data to estimate rangeland phytomass of semi-extensively grazed rangelands.

Disciplines :

Agriculture & agronomy

Author, co-author :

Mahyou, Hamid ; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Maroc, Centre Régional de la Recherche Agronomique d’Oujda

Tychon, Bernard ; Université de Liège - ULiège > DER Sc. et gest. de l'environnement (Arlon Campus Environ.) > Eau, Environnement, Développement

Lang, Marie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > DER Sc. et gest. de l'environnement (Arlon Campus Environ.) > DER Sc. et gest. de l'environnement (Arlon Campus Environ.)

Balaghi, Riad ; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique Maroc, Centre Régional de la Recherche Agronomique de Meknès

Language :

English

Title :

Phytomass estimation using eMODIS NDVI and ground data in arid rangelands of Morocco

Publication date :

11 April 2018

Journal title :

African Journal of Range and Forage Science

ISSN :

1022-0119

eISSN :

1727-9380

Publisher :

Taylor & Francis, United Kingdom

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2018.1436088

Available on ORBi :

since 13 April 2018

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