Assessment and analysis of cotton development growth in pivot irrigation areas using satellite imagery

The management of irrigation and the proper utilization of water resources are essential for enhancing agricultural output and maintaining the environment. Cotton fields irrigated with pivot systems are especially vulnerable to water stress and uneven distribution, both of which have a direct impact on yield. In this context, effective and dependable monitoring of water conditions and vegetation health is crucial for enhancing agricultural decision-making. The research shown that the integration of Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite data with water-sensitive spectral indices is exceptionally successful in monitoring water regimes, moisture dynamics and stress processes in pivot fields. The NDMI, NDWI and LSWI indices are essential for evaluating irrigation cycles and the soilplant water balance, whereas the GNDVI and SWIR-based indices facilitate the early detection of vegetation responses and waterstress. Stress maps indicated that the majority of the pivot fields exhibit a good condition of vegetation, with low and non-systematic water stress, whereas the primary risk factor identified is controlled nutritional stress. This methodology establishes an effective scientific and practical foundation for the early identification of water stress and the optimization of moisture management.