Satellite monitoring of changes in improved grassland management

Abstract

In this study, the satellite monitoring of improved grassland management is discussed. In the satellite images acquired during the grass cutting season, mown grasslands show distinctive reflectance characteristics. Using these characteristics, we have analysed changes in grassland use and grass mowing strategies in a dairy farming region of Japan during the past decade. Our analysis shows that the amount of grazing pasture has decreased in the study site, while the timing of mowing the grass has improved. A ground survey of grassland use and grass mowing time in the study site shows the same tendencies. This agreement indicates that satellite remote sensing is an effective tool for monitoring the status of grassland management.