Precision agriculture for pasture, rangeland and livestock systems

Abstract

Precision agriculture tools have potential to increase productivity and efficiency of grazing systems. Several soil sensors, initially employed in the cropping industry are available to map variability in pasture soils including electromagnetic induction and gamma ray spectrometry. Remote sensing tools for pasture assessment (quantity and quality) have been available for many years however recent application of proximal active optical sensors for pastures offer options for increased utility, both as sensors in their own right as well as for calibrating remote sensing products. Recent advances in spatial monitoring technologies for livestock offer new opportunities to quantify the spatial heterogeneity in pasture utilisation by animals. Integrating these technologies holds great potential for resource management tools such as variable rate fertiliser management, and improving livestock productivity and welfare. This paper briefly reviews current and emerging technologies for monitoring the soil, plant and animal components of a grazing system.