Abstract

Using Satellite Imagery to Estimate Aquifer Recharge from Irrigated Agriculture
Track: Agriculture
Authors: David Hoekema, Jae Ryu

Geospatially referenced evapotranspiration (ET) maps were utilized to calculate aquifer recharge in the Salmon River Tract, Hollister, Idaho. Since the Salmon River Tract is a closed irrigation system, the amount of water consumed (e.g. ET) can be subtracted from diverted water to calculate recharge. High resolution imagery from the National Agricultural Statistic Service (NASS) was used to create polygons of irrigated fields. The Spatial Analysis Tools where then used to quantity ET variability across the tract. An accurate assessment of aquifer recharge is critical to manage surface water and groundwater as a single source. The spatial resolution of GIS data to track water consumption provides useful insights for farmers to maximize their net revenue based on an enriched scientific data set rather than normal practices.