At the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), we are making advancements in soil moisture monitoring, addressing critical water management challenges in the face of increasing drought risks. This initiative focuses on developing innovative monitoring techniques to support sustainable agricultural practices and effective water resource management. CTTC researchers are utilizing advanced remote sensing technologies, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), to create high-resolution soil moisture maps. These maps integrate satellite data with ground-based measurements, providing accurate assessments of soil moisture conditions.
In addition to our efforts in Africa as part of the ESA EO-AFRICA Project, we are actively working on soil moisture monitoring across Catalonia. We aim to improve drought monitoring capabilities by producing soil moisture maps at a 50-meter spatial resolution, allowing for detailed assessments of soil moisture within agricultural fields. These products will enable irrigation districts to optimize water use and forecast crop yields more accurately.
We are also excited to highlight that a PhD student at CTTC is conducting research on soil moisture analysis using machine learning techniques. This innovative approach aims to enhance our understanding of soil moisture dynamics and improve predictive capabilities. We are currently preparing a paper for submission, which will contribute valuable insights to the field.
CTTC’s soil moisture monitoring initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes the importance of clean water and sanitation. By providing crucial data for efficient water resource management, these efforts empower stakeholders to tackle water scarcity and food security challenges in regions most affected by climate change.
With drought conditions becoming more frequent and severe, the significance of CTTC’s work is clear. The initiative not only seeks to improve agricultural productivity but also provides essential datasets for assessing drought within the context of climate change.