Evaluating FAO AquaCrop Model for Estimating Wheat Performance Using Landsat Satellite Images Information

Iran has a large area under cultivation, and reliable and timely crop yield forecasts are critical for making timely food supply decisions. As a result, several methods for estimating crop yield based on remote sensing observations have been published in recent years. One of the first and most critical steps in this study is to estimate real evapotranspiration using the SEBAL algorithm and high spatial and temporal resolution Landsat8 satellite images. The evapotranspiration obtained from satellite images was compared to evaporation data from the Zanjan synoptic meteorological station's evaporation pan, with statistical indicators (MAE=0/36, RMSE=0/45, R2 =0/94) indicating satisfactory results. The AquaCrop model and its four execution steps were used to simulate the product yield, and the necessary coefficients and data from the model were applied in satellite imagery calculations for each of these steps. For comparing CC data determined by satellite imagery and AquaCrop model, the RMSE, MAE, and R2 indices were respectively 11/06, 9/2 percent, and 0/94, and 0.633 and 0/359 mm/day and 0/95 for transpiration. The average yield was calculated to be 1/189 ton/ha in field pixels and its comparison with agricultural statistics and field studies (1-1/2 ton/ha) showed acceptable estimates for wheat yield in the area of this study.