Satellite-Derived Multi-Temporal Palm Trees and Urban Cover Changes to Understand Drivers of Changes in Agroecosystem in Al-Ahsa Oasis Using a Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) Model

A significant decline in palm tree cover, critical for agroecosystem stability in the arid Al-Ahsa Oasis, was quantified using multi-temporal satellite data (1990–2020). The study found a 14.24% reduction in vegetation fraction, with mean values dropping from 0.79 to 0.37, alongside substantial urban expansion (up to 0.807%). Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed strong correlations between urban sprawl and palm tree loss, threatening the oasis's agricultural productivity. This research underscores the need for strategic land management to mitigate environmental impacts in rapidly urbanizing arid landscapes.

Salih, A., Hassaballa, A., & Rahma, A. E. (2025). Satellite-Derived Multi-Temporal Palm Trees and Urban Cover Changes to Understand Drivers of Changes in Agroecosystem in Al-Ahsa Oasis Using a Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) Model. Agriculture, 15(19), 2043. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15192043