Application of the Vegetation Condition Index in the Diagnosis of Spatiotemporal Distribution of Agricultural Droughts: A Case Study Concerning the State of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil

We applied a robust framework for agricultural drought identification in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, by employing Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) based on data obtained through Enhanced (EVI). By doing so, we analyzed interrelationships between VCI and anomalies Land Surface Temperature (LST), along with connections considering water deficits vulnerable areas. When it came to image processing, focused use analytics GIS algorithms, while Scott–Knott method elucidated statistical analyses. Consequently, identified areas followed periods susceptible their occurrence, indicating 2016 as driest year. The North macroregion presented lowest average values regarding most periods, Central one. also call attention highest LST averages observed 2015 2016, strong El Niño events marked same timeframe periods. methodological approach was efficient identification, analysis, characterization occurrences, enabling mitigation actions, well management exploitation protection resources. Moreover, further research should be conducted incorporating other indices enhance understanding its effects vegetation.