Crude protein as indicator of pasture productivity and quality: Validation of two proximal sensors

Abstract

T his study evaluated two complementary proximal sensors (Rising Plate Meter, RPM and active optical sensor, AOS) to obtain a global indicator of pasture quality and productivity, the crude protein, CP (expressed in kg/ha). The experimental work was carried out on a dryland biodiverse and involved sensor measurements, followed by the collection of a total of 144 pasture samples. Sensor measurements (compressed height, HRPM and NDVI) and the results of reference laboratory analysis were used to develop prediction models. The best models between CP and HRPM×NDVI were obtained in the initial and intermediate phases of the cycle (autumn; R2=0.86; and winter; R2=0.74).