Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

In Situ Soil Moisture Sensors in Undisturbed Soils
Published on: November 18, 2022
Satellite monitoring of desert plant community response to moisture availability
1Department of Geography, New Mexico State University, 88003, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
Abstract:
Our study demonstrates the utility of coarse spatial-resolution satellite spectra for analysis of vegetation phenophases and response to moisture availability in an arid ecosystem. We show the feasibility of deriving information on vegetation parameters such as stress and growth patterns in arid regions through the use of satellite-derived vegetation indices, despite the usual problems associated with a high ratio of soil to vegetation cover. Vegetation in our study area consists of Chihuahuan Desert grassland and scrub, including extensive zones of mixed desert scrub and grassland. Historic vegetation change has been well documented and is exemplified by decreasing grass cover and increasing shrub cover, a general trend of desertification. Our analysis suggests that satellite-based inputs can be used to improve our understanding of the spatial dynamics of climatic impacts on natural vegetation and to help us distinguish these processes from human-caused desertification.
More Related Videos
12:26Integrating Remote Sensing with Species Distribution Models; Mapping Tamarisk Invasions Using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling SAHM
Published on: October 11, 2016
15:30A Telemetric, Gravimetric Platform for Real-Time Physiological Phenotyping of Plant–Environment Interactions
Published on: August 5, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Responses to Salt Stress
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata