Crop water stress index

The Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) is a measurement used to assess how much water stress a plant is experiencing. It uses temperature data from the crop's surface to determine if the plant has enough water or is stressed due to lacking moisture. When plants are well-watered, they cool themselves through transpiration, keeping their temperature lower. If water is limited, plants can't cool down effectively, making their temperature higher. CWSI translates these temperature differences into a number that indicates the plant's water status, helping farmers decide when and how much to irrigate for optimal crop health.