Project uses satellites to monitor CO2 emissions in soybean growing areas in Mato Grosso

A research project developed in Mato Grosso allows monitoring soybean cultivation and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using satellite images and cutting-edge technology. The project aims to provide detailed and up-to-date information on the cultivation areas and CO2 emissions associated with soy. This data is freely available to the general public through the SojaMaps platform.

“The State of Mato Grosso, with an area of ​​approximately 903.378 km2, is one of the largest soybean producers in Brazil, therefore it is important to develop projects that enable the monitoring of carbon emissions, seeking solutions to reduce the effects of gas in the greenhouse. greenhouse and climate change”, highlights the doctor from the State University of Mato Grosso (Unemat), Carlos Antonio da Silva Junior.

The research project was financed by the state, through the Mato Grosso State Research Support Foundation (Fapemat) through Fapemat Notice nº. 010/2022 - Research with a Medium Maturity Level in Engineering

The project uses a time series of satellite images, covering all 141 municipalities. The images provided by the Terra/MODIS, Landsat-8/OLI and Sentinel-2/MSI sensor systems, with different bands (multispectral), are crucial for identifying and monitoring the temporal dynamics of soybeans and other land covers.

To measure carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the EGM-5 portable system (model AGA560) is used, which monitors variations in CO2 concentration in the soil through infrared optical absorption spectroscopy. FCO2 or CO2 flux is measured at each sampling point by adjusting the CO2 concentration within a closed chamber as a function of time. This process, which takes 90 seconds per point, allows for accurate measurement of carbon dioxide emissions, which are complemented by monitoring soil temperature and humidity. 

Integration with satellite data

After these local measurements are taken, the data is validated using complex spectral models based on MODIS sensor data. The calculated Index will be used to estimate the carbon efficiency of vegetation, indicating the rate of CO2 storage in leaves, integrating this data into the SojaMaps platform, providing a comprehensive view of carbon dioxide emissions and the efficiency of soybean cultivation.

“SojaMaps is accessible through the institutional portal of the State University of Mato Grosso (Unemat), at Pesquisa.unemat.br/gaaf/plataformas/sojamaps. This portal allows you to view and download mapped data, integrating information on mapped soy areas and CO2 emissions. This platform is free and easy to access. The project not only allows for a better understanding of soybean cultivation areas and their CO2 flows, but also contributes to the transparency and accessibility of information on land use and environmental impact in Mato Grosso.