Estimating local sugarcane evapotranspiration using Landsat TM image and a VITT concept

This Letter presents an approach for local evapotranspiration (ET) estimation using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data for sugarcane fields based on the concept of a vegetation Index/Temperature Trapezoid (VITT). A moisture availability index ( Ma ) and, subsequently, the ET rate were computed using surface temperature ( Ts ) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the TM data. The remote sensing estimates were compared with results from a water balance model. This study shows that Landsat TM data, along with the VITT concept, can provide a practical means for the ET estimation of the sugarcane field at a local scale.