Estimation of pasture dry matter: comparative study between Rising Plate Meter and Grassmaster probe

Abstract

This study evaluated two expedient electronic sensors: a rising plate meter (RPM), and a “Grassmaster II” capacitance probe (GMII) to estimate pasture dry matter (DM, kg/ha). The sampling process consisted of sensor measurements, followed by pasture collection and laboratory reference analysis. A total of 288 pasture samples were collected throughout the 2023/2024 pasture growing season. The best DM estimation model was obtained based on the measurements carried out in February in the case of GMII probe (R2=0.61) and December 2023 and February 2024 in the case of RPM (R2=0.76). The results open perspectives for other work which would allow the testing, calibration, and validation of these electronic sensors in a wider range of pasture production conditions, to improve their accuracy as decision-making support tools in pasture management.