Sentinel-2A imaging in mapping greenhouse rose production and rainwater harvesting for agricultural irrigation use

Agricultural production within controlled environments, such as rose cultivation, has traditionally followed the principles of a linear economy focused on maximizing crop yields through increased evapotranspiration. This approach significantly elevates water consumption throughout the year, leading to water scarcity and pollution in various regions. In this context, this study aims to assess the expansion of areas designated for production and the volume of rainwater captured by the roofs of floral greenhouses. The study was conducted in the Pisque River basin in Ecuador from 2016 to 2023. Using remote sensing techniques, the increase in greenhouse areas was quantified, water capture was measured in two types of greenhouses through rainfall simulations, and water requirements were calculated using the Penman-Monteith method. Results indicate a 70% increase in flower production, particularly in the upper and middle basin communities, with a notable rise following the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 5,473.54 hectares of greenhouses were identified, which can capture rainwater with 93% efficiency, thereby meeting 35% of the annual water needs for crop irrigation. The study concludes that capturing, storing, and utilizing rainwater in rose production is viable and facilitates the transition from a linear to a circular economy.