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Assessment of spatial variability of apple orchard condition in northern Azerbaijan using satellite imagery
https://doi.org/10.31676/0235-2591-2025-6-53-61
Abstract
The study investigates the impact of spatial heterogeneity of the soil cover on the condition of intensive-type apple orchard plantations.
The research aimed to assess the difference in the condition of apple orchard plantations on various soil backgrounds, considering the phenological phase, season, and tree age.
The analysis was performed on intensive irrigated apple orchards in sloping plain environment of northern Azerbaijan.
The primary data source was a time series of Sentinel-2 satellite images in 2017–2024. The NDVI vegetation index was used as an indicator of plantation condition. A high spatial correlation was established between plantation condition and the identified zones of potential soil fertility. The study shows that plantations in the least productive condition were confined to highly calcareous soils. This pattern was evident across all analyzed growing seasons and for trees of all ages, although the specific indicators fluctuated between different years and phases of tree development.
The findings demonstrate that the correlation between plantation condition and the identified zones of potential soil fertility was signifi cantly higher than with the mapping units of traditionally compiled soil maps, which do not reflect the spatial variability of soil properties affecting site suitability for orcharding.
About the Authors
N. N. Gasimzade
K. A. Timiryazev Russian State Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Postgraduate Student
Department of Fruit Growing
Moscow
A. K. Radzhabov
K. A. Timiryazev Russian State Agricultural Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Agamagamed K. Radzhabov, Dr. Sci. (Agric.), Professor
Department of Fruit Growing and Viticulture
127550; 49, Timiryazevskaya str.; Moscow
I. Yu. Savin
FRC «V. V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute»; Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dr. Sci. (Agric.), Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department
Department of soil genesis, geography, classifi cation, digital soil mapping
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Gasimzade N.N., Radzhabov A.K., Savin I.Yu. Assessment of spatial variability of apple orchard condition in northern Azerbaijan using satellite imagery. Horticulture and viticulture. 2025;(6):53-61. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31676/0235-2591-2025-6-53-61
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