Can SuperDove Multispectral Satellite Data Optimize Citrus Orchard Monitoring?

The increasing global demand for food and the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices have made technological innovations essential in modern agriculture. Satellite imagery, as a cornerstone of precision agriculture (PA), provides valuable tools for monitoring crops and optimizing resource management. This study evaluates the potential of PlanetScope’s (PS) advanced 8-band multispectral sensor (SuperDove) for citrus orchard monitoring. The primary objectives are to investigate the effectiveness of PS data in assessing orchard health and dynamics and to explore its utility in detecting spatial variability within citrus orchards. The methodology involves preprocessing SuperDove data to derive key vegetation indices (VIs), such as NDVI, SAVI, and EVI, which are widely used to gain insights into the vigor and condition of citrus orchards. To assess the reliability and practicality of PS data, the study includes a comparison with free and open-source alternatives, such as Sentinel-2. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating high-resolution satellite imagery into citrus orchard management practices. While still in the early stages, the study aims to provide insights into how advanced satellite data can support sustainable agriculture.