Index-based assessment of agro-landscape degradation using remote sensing data under explosive impacts

Abstract

The study develops and tests an integrated methodology for the remote assessment of agricultural landscape degradation caused by explosive impacts using multispectral PlanetScope data for 2022 and 2024. The relevance of the approach is determined by the temporary inaccessibility of damaged areas due to mine hazards and military risks, which increases the importance of remote monitoring. The methodology is based on the application of nine spectral indices: NDVI, EVI, SAVI, GNDVI, and ARVI (vegetation indices); NDWI (water index); and BSI, BI, and IBI (soil indices). In addition, specialized indices - CDI, EII, and SRI - were developed to improve the detection of surface exposure, structural disturbances, and soil moisture deficit associated with explosive impacts. The approach includes threshold-based delineation of index anomalies and spatial validation of explosive crater boundaries, followed by a year-to-year comparison to assess recovery dynamics. The results show that the highest assessment accuracy is achieved through the combined use of indices: soil indices are most effective for detecting bare surfaces, while vegetation and water indices perform better in vegetated areas. Monitoring revealed heterogeneous recovery patterns and persistent zones of degradation, highlighting the need for long-term remote monitoring and reclamation planning of damaged agricultural landscapes.