Digital Soil Mapping methods for monitoring edaphic parameters (Sentinel-2 and UAV) to support soil conservation and water management in vineyard plots

Abstract

Soil is a complex and central natural resource for agricultural production and the environmental quality of agroecosystems. The mapping and detailed modeling of soil properties by remote sensing allow the development of useful tools and knowledge for sustainable and responsible agriculture. In this context, multispectral data were collected from Sentinel-2 and from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), with a RedEdge-MX multispectral sensor coupled. A digital elevation model (3D) was developed for a vineyard plot in the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes (Ponte de Lima, NW Portugal). The analysis of the 3D surface and the bands allowed the production of spatially explicit microtopographic, lithological, micro(bio)climatic and edaphic indices. These indices allow, among others, to represent and analyze altitude, slope, exposure to wind, thermal load, soil water evaporation, albedo, carbonates, iron oxides and rock type. The integration of the data obtained in this work with the soil analyzes carried out by the Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin (2022), allows the validation of the results and helps in the decisions and operational actions of soil conservation and water management in vineyard plots.