Remote Sensing for Sustainable Crop Water Management in a Changing Climate

Abstract

Climate change is escalating, posing challenges that impact agricultural regions, including the Gharb irrigated area in North-Western Morocco. This paper explores the role of remote sensing as a powerful geospatial tool for identifying, characterizing, and landmarking resources in agriculture over a large surface area. It proposes adaptive strategies for sustainable agriculture amid dynamic climatic conditions, with a particular focus on addressing water management challenges. This research estimates the water requirements of different crop types in the Gharb Plain irrigated area by combining geospatial technological development, crop modeling, and multi-date data. Throughout the study, we address key challenges such as crop dynamics, data accuracy, and policy integration. The findings show that remote sensing plays a significant role in crop water management, promoting sustainability, and precision agriculture despite the challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the necessity of continued research, technological advancement, and policy implementation to fully realize the potential of remote sensing in guiding agriculture toward a resilient and sustainable future.