Time Series Multispectral Satellite Data for Wheat Crop Mapping and Monitoring in Bathinda District, India

Wheat crop mapping and monitoring show a key role in effectively supervising agricultural practices and ensuring the food security of a country. The current work aims to analyze time series multispectral satellite data during 2022–2023 over wheat crop fields in Bathinda district, India. The sowing period of wheat crops and associated impact on yield were investigated through the integration of climatic factors, soil quality, water availability, and satellite imagery. The ideal sowing time and its correlation with wheat yield were assessed through historical data and field surveys. Furthermore, the health and growth of the wheat crop are examined by utilizing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red edge (NDRE), and land surface water index (LSWI) derived from time series datasets. The overall health of the wheat crop was evaluated by employing the weighted overlay method. Furthermore, the harvest status of wheat crops was assessed from the first to the third week of April in the year 2023. The findings highlight the significance of timely sowing and emphasize the consequences of delays in crop productivity. Additionally, soil texture mapping was conducted to gain insights into the soil’s suitability for wheat cultivation. With changing sowing dates and soil properties, changes in growth and productivity of wheat crops were witnessed over different crop fields. The findings presented in this study provide beneficial information for farmers, policymakers, and researchers, supporting evidence-based decision-making and fostering sustainable wheat production in the region.