NSW Satellite Imagery Hub Story

SATELLITE IMAGERY SUPPORTING HORTICULTURE MICROCLIMATE RESEARCH

The role of Planet imagery in understanding cherry orchard cover deployment

Objectives

To support a climate data-collection study investigating orchard covers as an effective adaptation in a cherry orchard near Orange. 

Outcomes

Identifying cover deployment timing

During the first monitoring season, orchardist records of when the protective covers were deployed and removed were not available. Using Planet satellite imagery, the team was able to identify when covers were deployed and retracted at the beginning and end of the season. This work took place over the course of several days, and we were able to follow its progress, despite occasional cloud cover.

Improved interpretation of sensor data

Knowing when covers were in place allowed the research team to correctly interpret differences in temperature and humidity data between covered and uncovered trees recorded by in-canopy sensors.

Enhanced value of long‑term monitoring

Satellite imagery provided a practical, low‑effort way to reconstruct management actions after the fact, strengthening the value of multi‑year sensor deployments where operational or management records may be unavailable.

Related publication

Findings from this work contributed to a peer‑reviewed study examining the effects of protective rain covers on orchard microclimate: https://doi.org/10.1002/nzc2.70110

Figure 1. Satellite images showing rain covers (in white) being removed from two blocks of cherry trees across 10 days. The removal is performed manually. PlanetScope imagery acquired through daily satellite coverage at 3.7 m resolution.

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