<p>Agriculture is one of the largest water-consuming activities worldwide and the associated groundwater abstraction is known to be a triggering factor for land subsidence. In particular, protected agriculture (PAg), although it uses more efficient irrigation systems than open agriculture, promotes more intensive overall water and soil use. However, data on groundwater abstracted volumes and piezometric data for this type of cover are not always available or reliable, offering limited opportunities to correlate them with the actual subsidence phenomena. In this study, PAg mapping was used as a proxy for groundwater abstraction in areas affected by subsidence in Zamora Valley, Mexico, an area known for berry production as PAg. A land use/land cover (LULC) and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) analysis with Sentinel-2 and − 1, respectively, was done to obtain the spatio-temporal distribution of PAg (2019–2025) and the rates and patterns of subsidence (2018–2025). Both variables and available data on groundwater abstracted volumes and well localization were analyzed with univariate and bivariate Moran’s I, and LISA cluster maps. The LULC results (overall accuracy from 97.36% to 97.40%) show that 88% of the PAg area changes constantly, and the rest remains primarily around the conurbated areas of Jacona and Zamora cities. The PSI results show a generalized decrease in subsidence, which is consistent with previous studies. No spatial correlation (Moran’s I: -0.015) was found between the subsidence and available abstracted volumes from groundwater concessions, but high well density and subsidence bowls seem to be related. However, PAg with greater permanence spatially correlates with areas of greater subsidence, highlighting areas of interest for sustained groundwater abstraction. These findings show promising applicability in similar areas and serve as a baseline for future research.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p> <p>This graphical abstract shows a methodological approach for utilizing protected agriculture mapping (PAg) as a proxy for groundwater abstraction in subsidence affected areas. Particularly, the approach was implemented in Zamora Valley, Mexico, known for the production of berries under PAg, and an active subsidence from at least 14 years and recent sinking rates of 7&#xa0;cm/yr. The methodology included the use of multispectral and SAR imagery to determine the spatial distribution and temporal variability of PAg, and the subsidence rates and patterns. This data, alongside available official information on PAg distribution and groundwater consumption, was analyzed with univariate and bivariate Moran’s I, and LISA cluster maps. Results reveal significant spatial variability of PAg and a poor spatial correlation with official groundwater consumption estimations. Additionally, areas with high permanent PAg were associated with greater subsidence, highlighting these areas as critical zones of sustained groundwater abstraction, and the PAg mapping as a promising proxy for water use in areas where this information is lacking.</p>