Please, find our paper here: https://lnkd.in/dzSUjCXH

Abstract: 

This work focuses on quantifying favorable rainfall patterns during the rainy season to help estimate the probability of receiving maximum seasonal vegetation growth and determining favorable timing for providing supplementary irrigation. Our study was conducted within the Demilitarized Zone located on the northern side of the State of Kuwait. Landsat satellite imagery was utilized to estimate the vegetation coverage for 17 rainy years from 1991 to 2019. Later on, corresponding meteorological data was analyzed to determine the relationship between rainfall patterns and vegetation growth. This way, we estimate the probability of receiving favorable rainfall events that will result in maximum vegetation growth. The results showed a significant variation in vegetation coverage within the examined seasons, which was significantly influenced by accumulated rainfall and the number of rainfall events (P < 0.0001). Total rainfall also had a significant influence on vegetation. Thus, the frequency, distribution, and occurrence of rainfall events were found to play a vital role in accelerating vegetation growth. It was also illustrated that native vegetation was highly influenced by rainfall events received during the early stages of the season from October to November. However, the probability of obtaining favorable rainfall events was found to be low (< 5%). It was also found that the total annual rainfall significantly decreased in the past ten years, which was below the average rainfall (< 108 mm). A conceptual model of Native Desert Vegetation Rainfall Response (NDVR, Model) was presented according to the multiple lines of evidence on the vegetation-rainfall interaction. Based on the model, supplementary irrigation is recommended in the revegetation planning due to the impacts of climate change. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the sustainability and long-term consequences of irrigating native desert plants.

‍