Investigation of vegetation dynamics with a focus on agricultural land cover and its relation with meteorological parameters based on the remote sensing techniques: a case study of the Gavkhoni watershed

Ab s tr a c t. Background and Aims: This research investigates vegetation dynamics in the Gavkhouni catchment from 2001 to 2021, focusing on the spring season. The aim is to analyse the relationship between aridity, vegetation, and rainfall. Moreover, additional emphasis was placed on exploring the impact of these dynamics on agricultural land cover thereby contributing to our understanding of the environmental dynamics in the Gavkhouni catchment. Methods: The study made use of MODIS data, including the Enhanced Vegetation Index and Vegetation Condition Index, along with monthly rainfall statistics from Chirps. Analytical methods include time series analyses using correlation and regression analysis. Results: Throughout the study period, the average spring vegetation cover was 9276.33 km 2 . The years 2001 and 2018 had the lowest degree of vegetation (15.53, and 17.3% of the watershed area). Conversely, 2013, 2019, and 2020 had the most coverage (27.4, 26.8, and 26.3%). The Enhanced Vegetation Index highlighted the arid years (2001, 2008, 2011, and 2018) and the years with the lowest drought prevalence (2006, 2007, 2010, 2013). Enhanced Vegetation Index correlated with spring rainfall. Cropland cover declined over the study period, and a close correlation was found between winter rainfall and spring agricultural coverage.