Water usage in agriculture relies on precise water availability data. Without this information, irrigation planning and water management efforts fail to be effective, particularly in areas with limited water resources. Temperature changes, extreme weather events and increasing water variability require the monitoring of water in real time to guarantee sustainable resource distribution. Surface water bodies (e.g. rivers, lakes, reservoirs) serve as primary water sources for agriculture, but their availability varies with seasonal changes and climate patterns. Soil moisture levels act as early indicators of drought and plant stress, directing water allocation decisions prior to the onset of noticeable harm. Table 2 showcases how digital technologies can measure water availability by tracking critical indicators.1.1 Monitoring and assessing water resource availability Role of digital technologies in measuring water availability TABLE 2 Satellite imagery offers a daily overview of surface water bodies, detecting changes in lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Satellite data, utilizing passive microwave sensing, also gauges soil moisture content in the top 10cm of the soil, forecasting water stress and drought susceptibility. By combining satellite images with GIS mapping, algorithms can assess surface water changes. This enables operations managers to swiftly identify if streams are flowing or if lakes and ponds have receded. These understandings can guide extraction methods and support more informed allocation decisions – particularly when paired with real-time soil moisture data – ensuring that water is applied only when and where crops need it. In Punjab, India, for example, scientists measured the rate of groundwater change by using data from NASA’s twin GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellites. The data revealed a dramatic loss of groundwater between 2002 and 2008, which has provided significant insights into groundwater depletion in the region.21 Satellite imagery enhances broader water management initiatives by providing a dependable, real-time capture of water resources – forming a basis on which to build digital agriculture solutions. Publicly accessible data platform initiatives, such as FAO WaPOR22 and NASA SERVIR,23 are of vital importance to highly data-scarce regions, by providing near real-time satellite data that supports water availability assessments. Satellite data can assist governments, utilities and agribusinesses in monitoring water resources and informing decisions on: –Where to focus investments on irrigation infrastructure. –When to implement drought contingency plans. –How to optimize reservoir and groundwater usage. Our daily satellite observations, combined with custom algorithms, allow us to detect changes in surface water extents. This information is critical not only for agricultural planning but also for ensuring that water is managed efficiently across entire regions. Andrew Zolli, Planet LabsKey monitoring aspect Technology used Function Decision-making impact Tracking surface water availability –Satellite imaging –GIS mapping –Monitors changes in lakes, rivers and reservoirs –Supports irrigation planning and water resource allocation Measuring soil moisture levels –Passive microwave satellites –IoT soil sensors –Detects moisture variations in topsoil –Enables early drought detection and optimized irrigation scheduling Analysing water cycle patterns –AI-driven time-series analysis –Identifies anomalies in seasonal water trends –Predicts water shortages and enhances climate resilience planning Assessing water extraction needs –Satellite-GIS integration –Algorithm-based assessments –Evaluates surface water fluctuations and soil moisture trends –Guides reservoir management and sustainable water use Satellite imagery enhances broader water management initiatives by providing a dependable, real-time capture of water resources. Harnessing Digital Technologies for Smarter Water Management in Agriculture 11

Harnessing Digital Technologies for Smarter Water Management in Agriculture 2025