Investigating Agricultural Land Degradation Using Remote Sensing Techniques between 2014-2024: A Case Study in Kadhimiya Area, Baghdad, Iraq,

Abstract Study Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of vegetation cover degradation in Al-Kadhimiya district using digital processing techniques on satellite imagery. Specifically, it seeks to understand the changes that have occurred in vegetation cover, soil, and water over a specific time period, and the relationship of these changes to sustainable development. Methodology: The study relied on the analysis of Landsat satellite imagery from the years 2014 and 2024. Digital processing was applied to these images to extract ten diverse spectral indices covering aspects of vegetation cover, soil, and water. These indices included vegetation indices, soil indices (such as the salinity index and spectral silt index), and water indices (such as the water index and water stress index). After calculating the values of these indices, changes in the area and percentage of each index between the two study years were analyzed to assess the extent and direction of degradation. Impact of the Study on Sustainable Development: This study seeks to provide a clear understanding of the extent to which vegetation cover degradation affects natural resources in Al-Kadhimiya district. By identifying the most affected areas and the prevailing types of degradation (whether in vegetation cover, soil, or water), the study's findings can be utilized to guide sustainable development efforts. For example, the results can help in: Prioritizing interventions: Focusing efforts and resources on the areas most in need of restoration and conservation ,Developing effective strategies: Designing and implementing plans for the sustainable management of land and water resources, including combating desertification and soil degradation.Monitoring and evaluating progress: Using spectral indices as tools to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and evaluate progress towards achieving sustainable development goals related to the environment and natural resources. Key Findings: The study showed a clear change in vegetation cover during the study period, with its impact extending beyond plants to include soil and water. An expansion of non-agricultural land uses at the expense of agricultural lands was observed, along with an increase in the area of barren lands and a rise in soil salinity and silt indices. Water indices, on the other hand, showed negative values when studying the change between 2014 and 2024, indicating a deterioration in the state of water resources .Keywords: digital processing, , land use, spectral indices, soil degradation, vegetation