Harnessing Solar Data for Agricultural Advancement

Solar radiation plays a pivotal role in crop growth by providing the light energy necessary for photosynthesis, enabling plants to produce food. However, excessive sunlight can have adverse effects, including heat stress and increased water loss, which may harm crops. Optimal levels of solar exposure vary among plant species, with strategic shading, such as from solar panels, sometimes benefiting crops by reducing extreme heat and conserving soil moisture. This paper reviews the scientific methods and calculations behind the features of SolarOptima, a web-based tool that leverages data from NASA Earth observation missions to provide farmers with real-time, machine learning-driven insights. Key features include crop suggestions, yield forecasts, and irrigation scheduling. By focusing on the scientific processes rather than technical implementation, this paper explores how solar radiation and environmental data are used to optimize agricultural practices, offering a deeper understanding of how NASA’s data can be applied to enhance crop selection, predict outcomes, and foster sustainable farming solutions.

Read the full article on Academia: https://www.academia.edu/126670577/A_Review_of_the_Scientific_Methods_Behind_SolarOptima?source=swp_share