Project: Use of ICT tools to capture grass data and optimize grazing management.
Profitability on grass-based systems is driven by degree of grass utilization. This is influenced by increased growth and optimum management of that growth. Frequent measurement of grass parameters, e.g. herbage yield, height, density will facilitate increased herbage production and utilization. However, traditionally such measurement on farms is limited. The potential use of ICT for grass measurement is dramatic. This project will test the potential for linking herbage measurement with a spatial dimension, thus allowing precise allocation of feed using GPS technology to be accomplished through developed ICT tools, a smart phone and a grassland management Decision Support Tool (DST). Subsequent integration with 'virtual fence' technology will be evaluated experimentally. This approach will reduce the skill requirement around grass measurement, increase available information, provide an ICT dimension and spatial element to paddock performance and management.
| Acronym | ICTGRAZINGTOOLS |
| Duration | 01/06/2013 - 31/05/2016 |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | ICT-AGRI |
| Call | ICT and Automation for a Greener Agriculture |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Food Development Authority | Coordinator | Ireland | |
| Forcefield Active Technologies Ltd. | Ireland | ||
| French Livestock Institute | France | ||
| Scotland’s Rural College - Hill & Mountain Research Centre | United Kingdom |