Contribution of remote sensing in analysis of crop water stress. Case study on durum wheat

International audience; Precision irrigation requires frequent information on crop conditions spatial and temporal variability. Image-based remote sensing is one promising techniques for precision irrigation management. In this study, we investigated the use of broad band multispectral (visible, near infrared and thermal infrared bands) and thermal airborne imagery for the characterization of water status of durum wheat crop through two indices: the Water Deficit Index (WDI) and the Simplified Surface Energy Balance Index (S-SEBI). Compari - sons between these two indices and the ratio between actual and potential evapotranspiration (AET/PET) show that such techniques are promising for precision irrigation management.