Jun 11, 2024

Satellite crop monitoring helps tomato growers adapt to climate change

A recent study published in Nature forecasts that global tomato yields could fall by more than 5% in the next 30 years, with key growing regions such as Italy and California facing the steepest declines. To address these challenges, growers are increasingly turning to satellite crop monitoring as a tool to protect yields and improve sustainability.

In California, tomato growers already battle water scarcity and soil degradation caused by intensive farming practices. These challenges have pushed producers to adopt new solutions, including satellite monitoring technology. The Morning Star Co., one of the world’s largest tomato processors, serves as a leading example of how remote sensing technology supports sustainable production.

Declines in tomato production

Worldwide, growers harvest around 40 million tons of processed tomatoes each year, with 60% coming from California, China, and Italy, according to the World Processing Tomato Council.

But in recent years, productivity has dropped. California, which typically produces 12 million tons, reported only 9.5 million tons in 2022. Heat waves and prolonged drought were the main culprits, threatening even the most resilient tomato growers.

Extreme weather and water challenges

Global warming and shifting climate patterns have made extreme weather a serious threat to tomato yields. Rising temperatures and stricter water regulations force many farmers to rely on lower-quality irrigation water. This practice increases soil salinity and reduces productivity.

Over-irrigation compounds the problem, wasting resources and undermining long-term sustainability. Experts point to satellite crop monitoring as a tool for improving water efficiency and safeguarding soil health.

Morning Star pioneers satellite crop monitoring

Morning Star has embraced smart monitoring technologies to navigate climate pressures. The processor uses Gradient, a proprietary precision agriculture platform, to optimize irrigation strategies through real-time soil moisture data.

Gradient’s algorithms provide insights into plant vigor, nitrogen content, crop consistency, disease, insects, and water stress. In partnership with EOSDA Crop Monitoring, the system delivers high-quality satellite imagery that covers 112,000 acres of tomato fieds.

By correlating satellite data with NDVI index values, technicians gain a holistic picture of crop health and field conditions. These insights guide irrigation and nutrient application, reducing costs while boosting sustainability.

Results and future potential

With satellite crop monitoring, Morning Star has significantly reduced irrigation costs and improved water use efficiency. By combining in-ground sensors with satellite imagery, the company monitors photosynthetic activity, identifies stressed regions, and aligns findings with yield projections.

This comprehensive approach not only mitigates climate risks but also strengthens the predictability of tomato yields. As climate change accelerates, satellite-driven analytics will become increasingly vital for global agriculture, blending technology with environmental protection.

— Vasyl Cherlinka, Guest Contributor

Vasyl Cherlinka, Phd., is a doctor of biosciences specializing in pedology (soil science), with 30 years of experience in the field. With a degree in agrochemistry, agronomy and soil science. Cherlinka has been advising on these issues in the private sector for many years.