Satellite Measurements of Evapotranspiration Predict Plant Water Stress

Abstract

This project tests whether NASA ECOSTRESS evapotranspiration (ET) can track plant water status across species and sites. ECOSTRESS ET was paired with PSInet predawn and midday leaf water potentials within seven days. Lower ET aligned with more negative water potentials, with significant correlations for 9 of 26 species at midday and 7 of 28 at predawn. Effect sizes varied by functional traits and site, suggesting that ECOSTRESS ET provides a scalable, non-invasive indicator of plant drought stress that complements field measurements and management decisions.

Poster Presentation

This research was presented at the 2025 NASA ECOSTRESS Annual Science Team Meeting.
Highlighting the integration of satellite-derived evapotranspiration data with field-measured leaf water potentials to assess drought stress at a global scale.
The poster summarizes cross-species analyses showing significant relationships between ECOSTRESS-derived evapotranspiration and plant water potential.

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