Agricultural water management and optimal resource allocation are critical for sustainable and efficient food production. Modern farming practices, underpinned by precision agriculture, leverage advanced technologies for optimal resource allocation. While precision agriculture has substantively advanced through technological interventions, it remains a challenge to identify spatial patterns that persist over time within field zones. In this study, we used historic 30-m gridded seasonal consumptive irrigation requirement maps (i.e., actual evapotranspiration /crop water uptake) developed by the University of Idaho and the Idaho Department of Water Resources over 16 years to identify fields that demonstrate persistent crop water use (CWU) patterns. Statistical analysis of the CWU, relative to the field average, reveals persistent patterns across irrigated areas of the Magic Valley region in Idaho, USA. Variable importance analysis using the Boruta feature selection algorithm showed that factors such as the dominant crop type across multiple seasons, within-field topographic differences, soil physical properties, and water source used in irrigation are all factors in the observed patterns. Persistent patterns in reduced CWU near field edges may not manifest in fields surrounded by other irrigated fields due to the oasis effects originating from the neighboring fields. This study advances knowledge of persistent CWU patterns and contributes a cost-effective and efficient methodology for evaluating field variability. Mapping persistent patterns enables identifying and targeting specific areas within the field that could benefit from variable rate management. The resulting persistence maps offer valuable insights for growers, agronomists, and water managers to allocate water resources and optimize crop yields.

Increasing forest destruction from land use and land cover change (LULCC) has altered catchment hydrological processes worldwide. This trend is also endemic to the Belize River Watershed (BRW), a significant source of land and water resources for Belize. This study aims to understand LULCC impacts on BRW hydrological responses from 2000 to 2020 by applying the widely used Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). This study identified historical trends in LULCC in the BRW and explored an alternative 2020 land cover scenario to elucidate the role of protected forests for hydrological response regulation. A SWAT model for the BRW was developed at the monthly timescale and calibrated on in situ streamflow using SWAT Calibrations and Uncertainty Programs (SWAT-CUP). The results showed that the BRW SWAT model performed satisfactorily for streamflow simulation at the Benque Viejo (BV) gauge station but performed variably at the Double Run (DR) gauge station. Overall, the findings revealed watershed-level increases in monthly average sediment yield (34.40%), surface runoff (24.95%), streamflow (16.86%), water yield (16.02%), baseflow (11.58%), and percolation (3.40%), and decreases in monthly average evapotranspiration (ET) (3.52%). In conclusion, the BRW SWAT model is promising for uncovering the hydrological impacts of LULCCs with opportunities for further model improvement.

Effective management of water resources and mitigation of water-related disasters are essential for human well-being, ecosystem health, and socio-economic development. However, the challenge lies in translating scientific insights into actions and decisions, resulting in a disconnect between knowledge production and practical decision-making. SERVIR, a collaborative initiative by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), addresses this gap by partnering with regional organizations worldwide to integrate Earth Observation (EO) data into practical applications. This paper evaluates SERVIR’s experience translating cutting-edge science into actionable information for water security/water resources management through a collaborative approach, co-developing tools within diverse cultural contexts, and emphasizing capacity building. By discussing case studies and engagement strategies from SERVIR’s extensive experience, we highlight its collaborative efforts with regional bodies, governmental agencies, and other partners to transform water resources research into practical insights, supporting decision-making at various levels. This paper underscores the importance of continuous capacity-building workshops, stakeholder engagement, and adapting to technological advancements, such as cloud computing, for sustained impact. It also addresses the need for effective translators to navigate the complex EO toolkit, ensuring the appropriate application of tools for specific water management decisions. By reflecting on SERVIR’s journey, this paper offers guidance for decision-makers, practitioners, and researchers, encouraging dialogue, innovation, and collective action to support reliable access to water for all and sustainable water management. The insights and opportunities derived from SERVIR’s experience provide a framework for future initiatives, advancing water security and water resource management strategies.

The growing imperative for resilience to extreme events has elevated the role of Earth Observation (EO) technologies in supporting global water resources management and disaster preparedness. Building on a growing body of work to assess the value of EO information in different contexts, we propose a methodological framework to maximize the expected utility of streamflow information in data scarce environments. GEOGLOWS, an EO-based hydrological forecasting initiative, has successfully demonstrated its use in Ecuador through partnerships with local institutions. Its Hydroviewer provides crucial streamflow predictions with sufficient lead time, enabling early action to mitigate flood and drought risks. To complement qualitative information, economic models can be designed to quantify the expected value to individuals, provinces, or other unit-areas, however systemic data limitations may challenge efforts to fully estimate such utility. This perspective paper proposes a detailed framework to apply a standard economic impact evaluation framework, and it uses the application of GEOGLOWS in Ecuador as a case study. This approach highlights the need for targeted data collection strategies, specifically, on damages, averted losses, and system usage metrics, alongside frequently updated socioeconomic information. Such data are crucial to enable robust economic impact assessments and to inform future investments in EO-driven water management solutions, especially in resource-constrained environments.

WEPPcloud model for Upper Cedar River, Cedar River Watershed, WA