The use of remote sensing to characterise geomorphometry and soil properties at watershed scale

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the complex ecological interactions between geomorphometry, spectral indices, and soil properties to develop a watershed management plan that can mitigate the effects of global warming. In this study, Sentinel-2 multi-spectral instrument data was used to map some spectral indices. The digital elevation model was used to map transportation capacity index (TCI), stream power index (SPI), compound topographic index (CTI), and curvature. Some soil properties were analysed using 128 top-soils. According to the results, a strong correlation (p < 0.05) was found between CTI and NDVI (0.358), NDWI (-0.336), NDMI (0.372), SBI (-0.298), pH (-0.165), and phosphorus (0.164). The highest correlation (p < 0.01) was found between SPI and phosphorus (0.301). The CTI model of the watershed, which was developed using geomorphometric data, can increase the success of forestry activities. Spectral indices have the potential to be used in the evaluation of soil properties and geomorphometric characteristics.