Smart Farm project tests innovation in the field
Innovative techniques for monitoring pasture growth are being tested in the field as part of a federally funded Smart Farms project.
The project aims to review and modernise measurements of soil used to predict phosphorus fertiliser requirements.
While conventional measurements of pasture growth can be laborious and time consuming, the project will explore the use of sonar technology to more easily estimate pasture growth.
Infrared vegetation (NDVI) scanner and satellite imagery technologies will also be evaluated by the project.
The project will see this technology rigorously tested and calibrated to enable growers and practitioners to more routinely assess the amount of pasture in paddocks.
Twenty field sites from Albany to Pinjarra will be established this year, with an additional 16 planned for 2020.
The sites were selected through an expression of interest, followed by a rigorous process to ensure the field sites satisfied strict scientific criteria, including a focus on poor sandy soils with low phosphorus retention.
Dairy farmer Victor Rodwell hosted a recent training and familiarisation session for the team, and pasture reader developer Ivor Awty was available to provide training in the installation and use of the new equipment. Ivor, has more than 20 years experience in pasture measurement.
Trial establishment has recently commenced, with DPIRD and CSBP staff who have been on farms to set up the trial sites. Growers will be able to follow the progress at field days throughout the season.
The project is a collaboration between DPIRD, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Western Dairy, Western Beef, six catchment groups, Summit, CSBP and host farmers.