Stimulating novel Technologies from Earth Remote Observation to Predict European Soil carbon (STEROPES)
Up-to-date soil maps — STEROPES is advancing the use of satellite data for carbon mapping in Europe.
Using satellite data for carbon mapping
Soil maps are typically static and therefore often outdated by the time they are used. The STEROPES project intends to overcome these limitations by advancing the use of satellite time series. These will be used to estimate organic carbon content in arable soils across different pedoclimatic zones and cropping systems throughout Europe. The focus is on exploiting data from ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites.
Considering influences on estimation
When refining the relevant estimation models, special attention will be paid to the influence of soil moisture, soil texture, plant residues, management practices and soil salinity. Additional data on a more detailed scale, e.g. from drones, will also be recorded and used to improve the prediction of soil carbon content.
Validation and evaluation
The refined estimation models will be validated on selected sites and evaluated in terms of their added value for mapping organic carbon on different spatial scales, from local to Europe-wide. Here, the satellite models will also have to hold their own against existing digital soil maps.
Contact
Publications
Participating organisations
- Agroscope
- AgroPT
- SLU
- WR
- ILVO
- CZU
- AU
- CREALP
- UL
- LAMMC
- IUNG
- INIAV
- INIA
- TAGEM
Team@Agroscope
