Satellite-Based Innovative Agroclimatic Classification Under Reduced Water Availability: Identification of Optimal Productivity Zones

Climate and climate variability conditions determine crop suitability and the agricultural potential within a climatic region. Specifically, meteorological parameters, such as precipitation and temperature, are the primary factors determining which crops can successfully grow in a particular climatic region. The objective of agroclimatic classification and zoning is to identify optimal agricultural productivity zones based on efficient use of natural resources. This study aims to develop and present an agroclimatic classification and zoning methodology using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advanced remote sensing data and techniques. The agroclimatic methodology is implemented in three steps: First, Water-limited Growth Environment (WLGE) zones are developed to assess water availability based on drought and aridity indices. Second, soil and land use features are evaluated alongside water adequacy to develop the non-crop specific agroclimatic zoning. Third, crop parameters are integrated with the non-crop specific agroclimatic zones to classify areas into specific crop suitability zones. The methodology is implemented in three study regions: Évora-Portalegre in Portugal, Crau in France, and Thessaly in Greece. The study reveals that inadequate rainfall in semi-arid regions constrains the viability of irrigated crops. Nonetheless, the findings show promising potential compared to existing cropping patterns in all regions. Moreover, the use of high-resolution spatial and temporal remotely sensed data via web platforms enables up-to-date and field-level agroclimatic zoning.