International Journal of Horticulture and Food Science
2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part C
Assessing the water stress of crop plants using infrared thermal imaging
Alagesan Arumugam, Jesupriya Poornakala Selvaraj and Thukkaiyannan Palaniappan
Infrared thermal\r\nimaging is a significant advancement in managing crop water stress, offering a\r\nnon-invasive approach to monitor plant health and irrigation requirements\r\neffectively. Research studies emphasize that canopy temperature-derived metrics\r\ncan serve as early stress indicators, improving water management practices in\r\nagriculture. For example, research by Foral et al., (2021) [13]\r\nshowcases the potential of thermal imaging in detecting drought stress in\r\ncreeping bentgrass before visible symptoms emerge. Additionally, studies by\r\nCegarra E et al, (2021) [11] highlight the effectiveness of\r\nUAV-based Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) measurements in monitoring almond\r\ntrees, advocating for precision agriculture techniques. The integration of\r\nthermal imaging technologies is crucial for refining irrigation strategies and\r\nensuring sustainable crop production in water-scarce environments as\r\nagricultural practices evolve. The utilization of infrared thermal imaging for\r\nassessing crop water stress yields valuable insights into plant irrigation\r\nneeds. Canopy temperature metrics provide early detection of stress conditions,\r\naiding in optimizing irrigation schedules and enhancing water use efficiency.\r\nAdvanced sensor technologies like Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Crop Water\r\nStress Index (CWSI) offer precise data on water stress levels in diverse crops,\r\nfacilitating efficient resource management. By combining these innovative\r\napproaches, the agricultural sector can enhance sustainability practices,\r\noptimize resource allocation, and improve resilience against environmental challenges.\r\nThese findings play a crucial role in refining irrigation methods, boosting\r\ncrop yields, and promoting informed decision-making in agricultural management.