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Satellites zoom in on pasture data
31 Oct 2003
Farmers are trialling a satellite-based pasture monitoring system which dramatically improves their ability to make informed farm management decisions. The "Pastures From Space" consortium can now deliver much more detailed data - 16 times more detailed -relating to pasture growth rates, says CSIRO Livestock Industries' Mr Gonzalo Mata. Instead of providing estimated PGRs for entire shires, farmers can now get information at the paddock level for any area over six hectares. The information is delivered via the web site www.pasturesfromspace.csiro.au, which allows farmers to zoom in on images.
A satellite's sensor remotely estimates PGRs which are then validated against on-ground measurements. Subsequent management decisions about grazing rotations, feed budgeting, fertilizer application and other "precision agriculture" techniques can be made with greater accuracy.
The trial involves 60 WA farmers throughout the state's Mediterranean climate zone. Farmers not taking part in the trial can still access the web site, but while they can view PGR maps and zoom in on selected areas, they can't access specific farm details.
CSIRO Media Release, 28/10/03.
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