ISRO-backed Eddy-covariance station at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University
Eddy-Covariance Technology Enhances Understanding of Crop-Soil-Atmosphere Interactions
Eddy-Covariance technology enables the comprehensive study of the crop-soil-atmosphere system as an integrated ecosystem. This approach provides insights into the complex interactions among the atmosphere, soil, and crops, especially under shifting climatic conditions.
The location for the research station was strategically chosen to reflect the changing climatic conditions of Marathwada and the characteristics of its semi-arid agro-ecosystem. This region is particularly vulnerable to weather variability. According to Rahul Nigam, Scientist-SG at SAC-ISRO, the microclimatic and ecosystem data generated from this station will be valuable for both national and international research efforts.
Commissioned on Sept 3, the station will enable continuous, high-frequency monitoring of energy, water vapour and carbon dioxide exchanges between the land surface and the atmosphere.
“With a focus on Marathwada’s semi-arid agro-ecosystem, it is expected to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture research for the benefit of the region,” university vice-chancellor Indra Mani said. Speaking at the inauguration of the station, group director of agriculture, forestry and ecosystem sciences and applications group, SAC-ISRO, Bimal K Bhattacharya said the advanced facility would play an important role in measuring, analysing and modelling water and carbon dioxide fluxes in India’s semi-arid regions. “Fluctuations in temperature and rainfall along with drought-like conditions were posing new challenges to agriculture and required accurate observations supported by modern technologies. Availability of such an advanced facility through the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO is a matter of pride for the university and would help strengthen scientific understanding of climate-related risks,” he added. The Eddy Covariance is a key wind scientific method used in meteorology and environmental science.