Combining Tabular and Satellite-Based Datasets to Better Understand Cropland Change

In recent years, regulatory agencies in the USA and Europe have begun to require documentation that land used produce crops biofuels has not been converted from carbon-capturing grasslands or forests. Precise measurement of these cover changes, however, proven difficult. Analysis date focused primarily on moderate resolution (30 m) satellite imagery, which provided granularity accuracy needed. These studies estimated large-scale conversion USA. This study analyzed datasets but included tabular aerial imagery determine whether combination datasets, focusing more detailed analysis locations, could accurately identify potential locations use change. Analyses data 1985 2020 found much 2008 classified as natural-to-crop change was idle cropland. The results indicate a dynamic landscape marginal moving out Approximately allowed go fallow (6145 hectares) going into crop (7901 2020. this measure impacts natural lands if long-term historical cover/land also analyzed.