NASA Technology Helps Track Crops, Soil Moisture, and Yields
NASA’s satellite technology is transforming U.S. agricultural data collection. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) recently collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to explore how Earth-observing satellites contribute to farm monitoring and data collection.
NASA Satellites and Agricultural Monitoring
NASA’s satellites provide valuable insights throughout the growing season. The Landsat satellite monitors planted fields and crop conditions, MODIS captures daily images for yield analysis, and SMAP tracks soil moisture.
By combining this satellite data with field reports from NASDA enumerators, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) generates accurate agricultural statistics and timely reports.
For example, the Cropland Data Layer precisely maps where different crops are grown, enhancing production reports. Crop Progress and Condition Reports provide real-time updates on crop health, soil moisture, and drought conditions. These tools help farmers, researchers, and policymakers make informed decisions.
Advancing Agricultural Data Collection
Since 1972, NASDA and NASS have worked together to gather high-quality agricultural data. By integrating NASA’s satellite imagery with on-the-ground field surveys, NASS has improved its ability to track crop conditions, predict yields, and monitor environmental factors.
This collaboration modernizes agricultural data collection, ensuring accurate statistics that benefit the entire industry. By using advanced technology, farmers gain better insights, researchers access more precise data, and policymakers make well-informed decisions.
The partnership between NASA and NASS is shaping the future of agricultural data collection, helping the industry adapt to new challenges and opportunities.