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ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Livestock, Forage and Pasture Management Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #407469
Research Project: Integrated Agroecosystem Research to Enhance Forage and Food Production in the Southern Great Plains

Location: Livestock, Forage and Pasture Management Research Unit

Title: Minimum water use and crop growth monitoring in agroecosystems: The application of VPM and VTM models in various crop ecosystems in the United States

Author
item CELIS, JOGE - University Of Oklahoma
item XIAO, XIANGMING - University Of Oklahoma
item BASARA, JEFFREY - University Of Oklahoma
item Wagle, Pradeep
item SOUZA, LAURA - University Of Oklahoma

Submitted to: American Geophysical Union
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/13/2023
Publication Date: 12/5/2023
Citation: Celis, J., Xiao, X., Basara, J., Wagle, P., Souza, L. 2023. Minimum water use and crop growth monitoring in agroecosystems: The application of VPM and VTM models in various crop ecosystems in the United States [abstract]. American Geophysical Union. 2023(1973):813F-1973.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sustainable agriculture is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and reducing food insecurity. Efficient water management and optimal vegetation growth are key components for achieving these goals. This study employs the Vegetation Photosynthesis Model (VPM) to estimate gross primary production (GPP - CO2 captured by vegetation), and the Vegetation Transpiration Model (VTM) to monitor the minimum water used by vegetation to build biomass across diverse agroecosystems. Moderate spatial resolution optical data inputs can be limiting in complex agroecosystems. Thus, we integrated and fused optical data from Landsat and Sentinel-2, producing continuous high spatial resolution inputs to calculate transpiration and GPP at 10 m in selected Oklahoma counties. The combined use of VPM and VTM offers a better understanding of water use efficiency and crop productivity. The VPM provides insights into CO2 captured by plants, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices and potential CO2 offsets. We validated our transpiration estimates against existing evapotranspiration (ET) models and water usage reports from irrigated crops in selected counties. Additionally, we evaluated our yield estimates at the county level using the USDA NASS data, underscoring the consistency and accuracy of the VPM yield predictions. This study investigates the potential of VPM and VTM as tools for field-level and regional estimates of water use, yields, and CO2 sequestration across a diverse agricultural landscape. These estimates can enhance water use efficiency and yield optimization. The integration of VPM and VTM with 10 m satellite data marks a significant advancement in precision agriculture, aligning with global efforts to optimize water resources, boost crop productivity, and mitigate rising atmospheric CO2. This work establishes a new benchmark for data-driven agriculture, offering a robust and scalable solution that aligns with broader environmental sustainability and climate resilience goals.