Mapping Threats of Spring Frost Damage to Tea Plants Using Satellite-Based Minimum Temperature Estimation in China

Spring frost damage (SFD), defined as the disaster during period of newly formed tea buds in spring caused by lower temperature and damage, is a particular challenge for plants (Camellia sinensis), whose capacity to adapt extreme weather climate impacts limited. In this paper, region Middle Lower Reaches Yangtze River (MLRYR) China was selected major plantation study area, focused on concentrated occurrence SFD, i.e., from March April. By employing standard lapse rate air with elevation, minimum (Tmin) estimation model that had been previously established used based reconstructed MYD11A1 nighttime LST values 3 × pixel windows digital elevation data. Combined satellite-based Tmin estimates ground-based observations, spatiotemporal characteristics SFD were systematically analyzed 2003 2020 MLRYR. The risks at three scales (temporal, spatial, terrain) then evaluated over results show both days annual scale areas daily exhibited decreasing trend 2.7 days/decade 2.45 104 ha/day, respectively (significant rates 0.05 0.01 levels, respectively). highest risk appeared mainly first twenty March. However, more attention should be given mid-to-late April time due late time. Spatially, relatively higher predominantly altitude northwestern parts MLRYR multi-year averages individual years. Fortunately, regions distribution scattered area small. These findings will provide helpful guidance all kinds people, including government agencies, agricultural insurance farmers, order reasonable effective strategies reduce losses may recommended implemented.