Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in Specially Protected Natural Areas of Southern Belarus

Abstract

Purpose. Assessment of time trends of the averaged NDVI values for the summer season as indicators of the ecological state of specially protected natural areas in the south of Belarus. Methods. The article used MOD13Q1 data, which contains the NDVI values calculated from the results of the Terra satellite imagery (MODIS radio spectrometer). Results. Based on the MOD13Q1 product, the average NDVI values for the summer season in the period 2000-2019 for each specially protected natural area (SPNA) were determined. The parameters of the NDVI linear trend equations are calculated and their statistical significance is estimated. It has been established that out of 20 SPNA studied, statistically significant trend equations and determination coefficients have 10 SPNA (the Mozyr Ravines landscape reserve, the Pripyatsky National Park, the Chirkovichi Biological Reserve and others). The accuracy of the selection of trend equations is characterized as average (R2=0,3-0,5). These protected areas are characterized by a significant increase in NDVI in 2000-2019. Probable causes of long-term trends in NDVI values in protected areas of southern Belarus are considered. Conclusion. A positive trend of NDVI values averaged over the summer period indicates an increase in green phytomass in protected landscapes due to restoration successions. The absence of statistically significant negative trends in NDVI values in Polesie protected areas was revealed. This indicates a satisfactory state of protected ecosystems.