Methodology for the Analysis of Drought in Subtropical Crops with Remote Sensing and Predictive Models: Application in the Semi-Arid Region Southern Spain

This paper proposes a methodology based on the combined application of climate indices for precipitation and temperature along with multispectral Sentinel 2 imagery, used to generate vegetation indices that serve to diagnose the condition of subtropical irrigated crops through a predictive model. These crops demand significant irrigation, and in Mediterranean semi-arid environments, where water scarcity and drought periods are increasingly frequent and severe, this presents a serious problem. The aim of this methodological proposal is to address the need to adjust cultivated areas to actual water availability. It is now evident and necessary to implement efficient management of agricultural practices, avoiding the expansion of irrigated areas when there is not enough water available. As a result of this work, the climatic interrelation with the real condition of the crops is demonstrated.