Spatial and Temporal Variability of Vegetation Indices with Industrial Tomato Yield

Abstract

Vegetation indices indicate crop development and help identify areas with potential productivity reduction in the desired crop. Thus, this study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal influence of vegetation indices on industrial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield. The research was conducted at Barcelos Farm in Anápolis, GO, covering a 55-hectare area. A sampling grid of 61-point pairs, spaced at 90 x 90 meters, was established using a GPS receiver. Vegetation indices were characterized by measuring the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index, foliar nitrogen content through the Kjeldahl method, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) using both a spectroradiometer and satellite imagery. Industrial tomato yield was assessed during harvest. Through the results, it was observed that temporal variability between vegetation indices and actual foliar nitrogen content exhibited a significant and positive correlation with industrial tomato productivity, particularly during the flowering stage. However, temporal variability between vegetation indices and foliar nitrogen content displayed low correlation across the mapped areas over time. Determining foliar nitrogen content and vegetation indices during the flowering stage is recommended for the industrial tomato crop. The relationship between ground-based remote sensing NDVI and orbital NDVI displayed a 55% positive correlation during the flowering stage.