Assessing Irrigation Water Use with Remote Sensing-Based Soil Water Balance at an Irrigation Scheme Level in a Semi-Arid Region of Morocco

This study aims to evaluate a remote sensing-based approach allow estimation of the temporal and spatial distribution crop evapotranspiration (ET) irrigation water requirements over irrigated areas in semi-arid regions. The method is based on daily step FAO-56 Soil Water Balance model combined with time series basal coefficients fractional vegetation cover derived from high-resolution satellite Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) imagery. was first calibrated validated at plot scale using ET measured by eddy-covariance systems wheat fields olive orchards representing main crops grown area Haouz plain (central Morocco). results showed that provided good estimates for trees root mean square error (RMSE) about 0.56 0.54 mm/day respectively. then used compare remotely sensed (RS-IWR) supplied (WS) an district through three growing seasons. comparison indicated large spatio-temporal variability demands supplies; median values WS RS-IWR were 130 (175), 117 (175) 118 (112) mm respectively 2002–2003, 2005–2006 2008–2009 could be attributed inadequate supply and/or farmers’ socio-economic considerations management practices. findings demonstrate potential managers use models monitor usage efficient sustainable resources.