Summary
This study used ground-based soil moisture networks and satellite vegetation indices to characterise the 2018 Dutch agricultural drought, establishing the critical soil moisture thresholds at which vegetation transitions from energy-limited to water-limited conditions. The analysis reveals that negative soil moisture anomalies develop 2–3 weeks before observable vegetation stress, and that critical moisture content increases predictably with soil depth, reflecting progressive root access to deeper water. These findings enable improved parameterisation of drought impacts on evapotranspiration and gross primary productivity in land-surface and climate models.
UK applicability
The methodological approach (combining in situ and satellite data to quantify drought thresholds) is directly applicable to UK drought monitoring and agricultural vulnerability assessment. However, the specific critical soil moisture values and temporal dynamics derived from Dutch soils and the 2018 event may differ under UK soil types, rainfall patterns, and crop management; local validation would be necessary for operational use.
Key measures
In situ soil moisture profiles (Raam and Twente networks); near-infrared reflectance of terrestrial vegetation (NIRv); vegetation optical depth (VOD); critical soil moisture content at multiple profile depths; temporal lag between soil moisture and vegetation anomalies
Outcomes reported
The study quantified critical soil moisture content thresholds by comparing in situ soil moisture measurements with satellite-derived vegetation indices (NIRv and VOD) during the 2018 summer drought. It demonstrated that soil moisture anomalies precede detectable vegetation stress by 2–3 weeks and that critical soil moisture content increases with soil depth as roots access deeper water reserves.
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