Assessing vegetation productivity and environmental impact in: A remote sensing approach

Abstract

This study explores the dynamic response of vegetation productivity in semi-arid foothill rangelands of Uzbekistan, focusing on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dynamics and its correlation with climatic and environmental variables. In contrast to established relationships reported in previous studies, our findings reveal distinctive seasonal patterns in NDVI values, with higher values observed during spring (0.150-0.300) and lower values in summer (0.100-0.130). The chlorophyll and carotenoid content of A. diffusa exhibited variations in response to seasonal changes, emphasizing the importance of considering seasonal factors in rangeland health assessments. Chlorophyll and green aboveground biomass are identified as key indicators of vegetation productivity, crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and contributing to climate regulation. Significant relationships are observed between NDVI and water resources, including precipitation and soil moisture (P ≤ 0.0001), highlighting the impact of climatic factors on vegetation cover. Positive correlations between NDVI and total green aboveground biomass underscore the relevance of NDVI as an indicator of vegetation health in foothill rangelands. This research project represents an initial step in investigating vegetation changes due to grazing in Uzbekistan, providing recommendations for sustainable rangeland utilization. Establishing an ecological monitoring system, incorporating GIS and Remote Sensing technologies, is proposed for comprehensive understanding and sustainable management of this complex ecosystem. Ongoing and future research endeavors aim to develop modern methods for rangeland vegetation monitoring, facilitating the identification of critical regions and offering solutions to prevent and mitigate desertification effects.