Evaluation of the precision of the rising plate meter for measuring compressed sward height on heterogeneous grassland swards

Abstract

Accurate estimation of herbage mass (HM) is essential for optimising grass utilisation and increasing profit for pasture-based livestock agriculture. The rising plate meter (RPM) is used for predicting HM based on average compressed sward height (CSH). Sampling resolution and distribution are primary parameters in determining spatial heterogeneity of HM. There is no definitive sampling protocol for the RPM. The objectives of this study were to: investigate spatial variation of HM within pastures, determine the number of RPM measurements required to accurately predict mean HM, and assess the precision of the RPM in terms of measurement repeatability. Intensive CSH measurements and HM reference cuts were carried out on controlled plots and grazed paddocks over two grazing seasons. Sward heterogeneity was estimated as the coefficient of variation (CV) of CSH and compared to empirically derived ‘true’ sward heterogeneity in terms of HM CV. Retrospective analysis simulations were performed to identify the effect of various reduced measurement resolutions on estimated mean CSH error. Repeated measures analysis was performed on grass samples to determine RPM measurement system precision. Results indicated that pasture heterogeneity varied by 36% across the growing season and was affected by grazing, fertilisation, sward composition and seasonality. Mean CSH could be estimated to within 5% relative prediction error by recording 24 measurements per ha in a random stratified manner. The standard deviation of RPM measurement repeatability was calculated to be 4.34 mm. The findings of this study will be used to inform the implementation of a more optimum grass measurement protocol.