Application of a Methodological Approach for Land Degradation Proxy Using a Time Range of RUE Index in the Cerrado and Caatinga Biomes of Brazil

Abstract

This study of the spatial analysis of land degradation has the objective of identifying spatial patterns of low hydro-vegetational response in pasture located in the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes between the years of 2000 and 2018. The patterns were evaluated using a methodology for proxy of degradation according to net productivity ratio (NPP) and precipitation. A rain-use efficiency index (RUE) was devised for evaluating degradation in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas of these biomes. The results presented reflect trend lines of hydro-vegetational response as depicted in endmember and two classification trend maps of degradation processes. As the results may present false negatives, field validation is deemed necessary.