Pasture Crops Research Articles

High capacity of integrated crop–pasture systems to preserve old soil carbon evaluated in a 60-year-old experiment

High capacity of integrated crop–pasture systems to preserve old soil carbon evaluated in a 60-year-old experiment

Utilization of the Neighborhood Design to Evaluate Suitable Pasture Crops and Their Density for Navua Sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) Management

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial plant native to Africa, poses a significant weed concern due to its capacity for seed and rhizome fragment dissemination. Infestations can diminish pasture carrying capacity, displacing desirable species. Despite the burgeoning interest in integrated weed management strategies, information regarding the efficacy of competitive interactions with other pasture species for Navua sedge management remains limited. A pot trial investigated the competitive abilities of 14 diverse broadleaf and grass pasture species. The results indicated a range of the reduction in Navua sedge dry biomass from 6% to 98% across these species. Subsequently, three broadleaf species—burgundy bean (Macroptilium bracteatum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and lablab (Lablab purpureus), and three grass species—Gatton panic (Megathyrsus maximus), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were chosen for a follow-up pot trial based on their superior dry biomass performance. These six species were planted at three varying densities (44, 88, and 176 plants/m2) surrounding a Navua sedge plant. Among the grass pasture species, Gatton panic and Rhodes grass exhibited high competitiveness, resulting in a minimum decrease of 86% and 99%, respectively, in Navua sedge dry biomass. Regarding the broadleaf species, lablab displayed the highest competitiveness, causing a minimum decrease of 99% in Navua sedge dry biomass. This study highlights the increasing efficacy of crop competition in suppressing weed growth and seed production, with the most significant suppression observed at a density of 176 plants/m2.

Soil carbon and nitrogen responses to forage cropping systems following irrigation retirement

AbstractLimited annual precipitation and increasing scarcity of irrigation water are forcing farmers in arid and semi‐arid regions to convert irrigated fields into dryland farming, yet their impacts on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions are not fully understood. This study evaluated changes in soil C and N fractions and forage production under four cropping systems after irrigation retirement in a semi‐arid condition. Treatments included an annual winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivum L.) (AWW), a perennial wheat (PW) forage (T. aestivum L. × Thinopyrum spp.) (PW), a mixture of native grasses (NG), and a pasture crop (PC = AWW and NG mixture). Evaluation of various soil C and N fractions, forage dry matter yield, and nutritive value parameters suggested that soil inorganic N and potentially mineralizable N (PMN) were 38%–45% and 36%–44% greater in autumn 2020 and 62%–68% and 46%–55% greater in spring 2021 under AWW and PW, respectively, than NG and PC. Soil potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC) was 58%–129% and 64%–138% greater under NG and PW than AWW and PC. The responses of other soil C and N fractions varied with soil sampling dates but not with crops or crop × sampling date interaction. Total forage dry matter yield was 4016, 7849, 12,517, and 13,869 kg ha−1 for AWW, PW, PC, and NG, respectively, and PW had the best forage nutritive value. These results suggest soil C and N mineralization could be enhanced by adopting perennial systems, including NG, PW, and PC, while PW maintains good‐quality forage production.

Evaluation of nano-nitrogen fertilizers and other nitrogen sources on the performance of Guinea grass plants grown in newly reclaimed soil under water deficiency

Water deficiency and chemical fertilizers' pollution are two of many factors causing imbalance in the ecosystem rhythm, which reflects on farm livestock quality and quantity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Limited research is available on the use of different sources of nitrogen fertilizers on pasture crops; hence, an open field research experiment was carried out in newly reclaimed soil to investigate the effect of different sources of nitrogen fertilizers on maximizing protein level and production of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) plant under water deficiency. Present data from two successive seasons revealed that: plants received nitrogen in the form of nano particles recorded significant increases in yield, morphological parameters, leaf anatomy, and chemical composition (macro and micro nutrients, total carbohydrates, plant pigments and crude protein) over control (plants that received the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers) in both growing seasons. In addition, endogenous hormones; gibberellins (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) beside enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) had been affected by different treatments. The lowest amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were resulted from nitrogen nano particles treatment, while the rates of leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and water use efficiency were enhanced also by nitrogen nano particles treatment application. The present findings suggested that increasing crude protein level of Guinea grass plant grown in newly reclaimed soil by addition of the mentioned nanoparticles could be a promising approach to improve crop productivity under water deficiency and reduce environmental pollution.

Management System for the Fattening Process of Bovines in Rotational Grazing using Diagnosis and Recommendation Systems

Cattle breeding has been one of the most important industrial sectors in the world since it is related to food security and the survival of the human race. Management of the cattle fattening process is a fundamental procedure for cattle breeders because it allows them to make strategic decisions, such as timely treatment in case of any abnormality (e.g., weight gain in herds, in their paddocks). This article aims to present a management system for the cattle fattening process under a rotational grazing scheme, considering the health status of the animal and the pasture, which should diagnose weight loss or gain in bovines and recommend actions when is required. The diagnostic process is based on a fuzzy system that defines rules that characterize the diagnostic process to determine the current situation given an input. Furthermore, the fuzzy classifier optimizes its rules by means of genetic algorithms by modifying its membership functions, providing a more accurate system for diagnosis. On the other hand, the recommendation system is based on a classification model of pasture crops, in which the best pasture is recommended given the soil variables. We tested our proposal with experimental cases, with promising results. For the fuzzy classifier, the accuracy metrics are very good, with values of accuracy close to 100% and of Area Under the Curve close to 1. For the classification model were used several machine learning techniques, resulting in the best classifier the random forest technique, with an accuracy of 98.61%.

The Influence of Sodium Salt on Growth, Photosynthesis, Na+/K+ Homeostasis and Osmotic Adjustment of Atriplex canescens under Drought Stress

Atriplex canescens is widely cultivated as drought and salt-tolerant fodder in arid regions of Northwest China, which is used for photoremediation of degraded land and soil and water conservation. To explore the growth performance of A. canescens when exposed to drought and salt stress, seedlings were treated with a range of drought stress (WC1: 75 ± 3.6%, WC2: 49 ± 2.9% and WC3: 27 ± 2.5% of soil water content) and the corresponding drought stress with additional sodium salt supplementation (NaCl:Na2SO4 = 1:1 with the total concentration of Na+ set to 150 mM). The findings of this paper indicated that moderate sodium salt could stimulate the growth of A. canescens and effectively alleviate the deleterious impact of drought stress by increasing the turgor potential (ψt) and relative water content (RWC) and decreasing the leaf water osmotic potential (ψs). Furthermore, the photosynthetic capacity was improved and the negative effects of drought stress on photosystem II (PSII) were mitigated. The extra 150 mM sodium salt also markedly increased the contribution of Na+ to ψs and the contribution of betaine to ψs. In summary, these results indicate that A. canescens can adapt to drought stress by accumulating enough Na+ for osmotic adjustment (OA). Additionally, this paper is aimed to provide a fundamental basis for the utilization and cultivation of A. canescens as a favored pasture crop in the Qaidam basin, thus increasing the ecological and environmental benefits for arid regions worldwide.

Decision-making algorithms for the identification of crops based on remote sensing data

The article presents an algorithm for collective management decision-making. The developed algorithm is based on Bayesian mechanisms for resolving contradictions when choosing methods for processing of decisions. The algorithm is used for phased processing of Earth remote sensing data in order to identify agricultural crops. Functional satellite images created using the algorithm increase the accuracy of identifying plant objects. With the help of GPS navigator observation points linked by geographical coordinates, reference points have been created, according to which the classification of functional satellite images is accomplished, with the most accurate results of the distribution of pasture crops in contrast to the original image. The classification was performed according to four types of vegetation in the studied territory of Northern and Southern Nuratau of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Based on the results obtained, field work was carried out in order to test the remote sensing data obtained in relation to the identification of agricultural crops of pasture territories.

Legacy of Prior Management of Cropland after Afforestation with Populus x euroamericana (Dode) Guinier: Effects on Soil Respiration

Afforestation is a good strategy for climate change mitigation through increasing carbon stocks. This study determined changes in soil respiration (SR) brought about by the afforestation of high quality agricultural land in a temperate-humid region (Galicia, NW Spain), identified the variables that explain the observed changes and determined the main factors regulating SR temporal variation. Paired plots of fertile soils (cropped vs. afforested plots) were established in two similar areas (Pontevea and Laraño) where afforestation with Populus x euroamericana (Dode) Guinier was carried out in the same year. Different management practices and crop rotations were used (maize–pasture, Laraño and maize–fallow, Pontevea). The SR was measured in situ with a CO2 static chamber every 15 days (every month in winter) for 16 months; soil temperature (Ts) and soil moisture content (W) were also measured. In both areas, significant differences (p < 0.05) in SR between paired plots were related to soil organic C content and SR was mainly influenced by Ts, except during the summer period where SR fluctuations were accompanied by W fluctuations. These findings show that growing pasture crops on high quality land can prevent the loss of soil N and C and probably improve the greenhouse gas balance in the system.

Effects of Regenerative Agriculture Technologies on the Productivity of Cowpea in the Drylands of Embu County, Kenya

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important indigenous multi-purpose crop grown in arid and semiarid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The cowpea has nutritional and economic value, especially for smallholder farmers in dry lands. However, poor farming practices have declined cowpea productivity over the years. Low soil nutrient replenishment exacerbates the situation, leading to low soil fertility. Uptake of regenerative agriculture (RA) technologies is critical to building more resilient ecosystems that improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity while mitigating climate change effects. This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of the uptake of RA technologies on the productivity of cowpea in the dry lands of Embu County, Kenya. A survey involving 400 farming households was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a stochastic log-linearized Cobb-Douglas production function were used for the data analysis. The study results showed that RA technologies commonly used by farming households were: cereal-legume intercrop, mulching, minimum tillage, crop rotations, pasture cropping, organic agriculture, and compost manure. The findings also revealed that inputs, farm size, labour cost, and used manure amount positively influenced cowpea productivity. The results also showed that cereal-legume intercrop, crop rotations, pasture cropping, and organic agriculture significantly influenced cowpea productivity, while minimum tillage showed a negative relationship. Therefore, the current study's results recommend that the uptake of RA technologies should be scaled to scale up cowpea productivity in dry lands. The study contributes to determining appropriate technologies for cowpea production in arid and semiarid areas. These results will help the government, policymakers, and other inventors to make the right decisions while disseminating or introducing innovations in dry areas.

Reforesting the Coastal Deserts of the World: A Peruvian Case-Study

This paper discusses the technical and economic possibilities of adapting new technologies for harvesting water from clouds for the purposes of reforestation of vast arid areas of the Peruvian coastline. Peru is the climatical synthesis of the world, with great diversity of climates due to numerous factors such as its latitude, the Andes, the Peruvian sea, and the El Niño current. Although the cold waters of the Peruvian sea have influenced the climate converting the coast into a desert strip, it contributes, paradoxically, to the formation of dense layers of stratum clouds that cover the Peruvian coastal sky most of the year.The viability of adapting the water-harvesting technologies for reforestation of Peru’s coastline is shown to be valid in the paper. The discussion suggests that a social cost-benefit analysis of a 1000-hectares pilot reforestation project would show fairly low monetary costs and very important potential economic benefits. The main use that the new forest areas may be put to is agroforestry production systems, including timber, perennial semi-tropical crops (lucuma, pacay, pepino, basul), medicinal herbs, pasture crops and south american camelidae. The emphasis should be on desert plants such as cactus. The environmental benefits, stemming from the mere existence of forest and a greater biodiversity even if no commercial output is extracted from them, are more difficult to evaluate. Because, how are we to value the benefits on climate and on people brought about by the rebirth of a forest?

Management and Productivity of Key Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems in Uruguay: The Palo a Pique Long-Term Experiment’s Third Phase

Integrated Crop Livestock Systems (ICLSs) use productive diversification as a strategy to improve productivity and land use efficiency. Pasture Crop Rotations are a part of ICLSs and imply a pasture phase included in the sequence of crops. The main reasons to include pastures in crop systems are low productivity of natural grasslands and increased crop yield after a pasture phase. Our objective was to analyze the productivity indicators and management of four ICLSs that combine crop and livestock production, with data collected over a 3 y period (2019–2022). The experimental site was The Palo a Pique (Treinta y Tres, Uruguay) long-term experiment installed in 1995, located in the subtropical climate zone and on Oxyaquic Argiudolls soils (3% average slope). Systems evaluated were CC (continuous cropping), SR (two years idem CC, two years of pastures), LR (two years idem CC, four years of pastures) and FR (continuous pasture with Tall Fescue). Liveweight (LW) production, grain production and dry matter (DM) production were evaluated. Liveweight production was higher in CC and SR (426 and 418 kg LW/ha) than in LR (369 kg LW/ha) and FR (310 kg LW/ha). DM production was higher in FR and SR (6867 and 5763 kg DM/ha/year) than in LR (5399 kg DM/ha/year) and CC (5206 kg DM/ha/year). Grain production was 10%, 16% and 9% lower in soybean, wheat and sorghum in CC.

The Effect of Salty Groundwater Levels on the Grass Yield of Some Pasture Crops and Soil Salinity

F. elatior, Puccinellia distans, Lotus strictus have been tested at 4 different water table depths which grow under natural conditions in salt-affected soils of arid and semi-arid regions. The trial was carried out for 3 years with split plots test design in randomized blocks. The salt concentration of the groundwater where irrigation has been made was between 3.1-4.4 dS m-1. The effect of water table depths on dry grass yields of the cultivars was found statistically significant in the first trial year (P

Phytoestrogens: A Review of Their Impacts on Reproductive Physiology and Other Effects upon Grazing Livestock.

Simple SummaryPhytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites that play a role in plant defense, and when ingested by livestock have numerous functions related to reproduction, metabolism, immunological functions and livestock growth and performance. Phytoestrogens are found across various plant species, with the most biologically active of these, isoflavones and coumestans, abundant in legume species. Understanding the overall potential health and reproductive effects that may occur in livestock grazing phytoestrogenic pastures is essential to mitigate any potential risks attributed to fertility loss or to introduce proactive management strategies to aid in improving growth and development. A review of their interactions with livestock systems will provide updated information for the agricultural and veterinary industries.Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. The biological activity of the various phytoestrogen types; isoflavones, lignans and coumestans, are species-specific, although at concentrations of 25 mg/kg of dry matter each of the phytoestrogen types affect reproductive functions in grazing livestock. The impacts upon fertility in grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep, vary greatly over length of exposure time, age and health of animal and the stress stimuli the plant is exposed to. More recently, research into the other effects that phytoestrogens may have upon metabolism, immune capacity and growth and performance of grazing livestock has been conducted. Potential new benefits for using these phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genistein, have been identified by observing the stimulation of production in lymphocytes and other antibody cells. Numerous isoflavones have also been recognized to promote protein synthesis, increase the lean meat ratio, and increase weight gain in cattle and sheep. In Australia, the high economic value of legumes as pasture crops in sheep and cattle production enterprises requires proactive management strategies to mitigate risk associated with potential loss of fertility associated with inclusion of pasture legumes as forages for grazing livestock.

Pasture Productivity Assessment under Mob Grazing and Fertility Management Using Satellite and UAS Imagery

Pasture management approaches can determine the productivity, sustainability, and ecological balance of livestock production. Sensing techniques potentially provide methods to assess the performance of different grazing practices that are more labor and time efficient than traditional methods (e.g., soil and crop sampling). This study utilized high-resolution satellite and unmanned aerial system (UAS) imagery to evaluate vegetation characteristics of a pasture field location with two grazing densities (low and high, applied in the years 2015–2019) and four fertility treatments (control, manure, mineral, and compost tea, applied annually in the years 2015–2019). The pasture productivity was assessed through satellite imagery annually from the years 2017 to 2019. The relation and variation within and between the years were evaluated using vegetation indices extracted from satellite and UAS imagery. The data from the two sensing systems (satellite and UAS) demonstrated that grazing density showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on pasture crop status in 2019. Furthermore, the mean vegetation index data extracted from satellite and UAS imagery (2019) had a high correlation (r ≥ 0.78, p < 0.001). These results show the potential of utilizing satellite and UAS imagery for crop productivity assessment applications in small to medium pasture research and management.

Effects of grazing, rotation, and tillage on surface runoff in a heavy textured Uruguayan soil

AbstractAdopting no‐till (NT) after conventional tillage (CT) could affect surface runoff, but this effect may also depend on the rotation type, such as continuous grain crop (CC) or crop–pasture rotation (CP). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of soil‐tillage practices and rotation type on runoff in a long‐term field (LTF) trial established in 1993 on a Mollisol. This experiment was carried from 2012 to 2017 and included three tillage rotations (NT–CP, NT–CC, and CT–CP) and a natural pasture (NP) as a control, with three replications. Runoff was monitored under natural rainfall in microplots. The pasture of the CP treatment was rotationally grazed with dairy cows at high stocking rates before this experiment. We hypothesized that soil compaction by animal trampling during grazing would increase surface runoff regardless of tillage type. We measured the number of events and runoff depth in all treatments, grain yield, soil bulk density (BD), and infiltration rate (IR) in NT–CP and NT–CC. The results showed a statistically significant increase in average runoff (107 mm yr–1) for all rotations relative to NP (68 mm yr–1) and a significant difference for the mean of both CP rotations (119 mm yr–1) compared with NT–CC (83 mm yr–1). During the crop phase (excluding the pasture), the two NT rotations showed a similar trend, but with higher BD (1.23 g cm–3) and lower IR (27.2 mm h–1) for NT–CP. We concluded that animal trampling increased surface runoff regardless of tillage, but this effect would need to be confirmed at other sites.

Farmers-Herdsmen conflicts: Effect of Resilience Strategy on Arable crop Productivity in the Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State

Over the years, contests over land for crop production and pasture for animals among crop farmers and herders have been a subject of concern. The study therefore examine the effect of resilience on arable crop productivity after farmers-herdsmen conflicts in the Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 270 arable crop farmers, which is about 29.4% of the 919 registered arable crop farmers for the study, using a structured questionnaire to obtain primary data. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics like tables, percentages and inferential statistics such as ordinary least square regression to analyse the effect of resilience strategy to shocks of conflict anticipation cost and arable crop productivity. All analyses were tested at a 5% level of significance. The result of the OLS regression analysis model for the effect of resilience techniques on arable crop productivity indicated that years spent in school (p = 0.97), size of farm (p = 0.006), hired labour after conflict (p = 0.000), transformative index (p = 0.000), absorptive index (p = 0.008) and adaptive index (p = 0.008) were significantly related to arable crop productivity. The transformative, absorptive, and adaptive resilience strategies significantly influenced arable crop productivity after farmers-herdsmen conflicts in the study area. The study concluded that adhere to the rule and regulations of the community serve as a means of preventing conflicts between farmers and herders, Further increasing farm size requires more commitment from the farmer and thus becomes more attached to the farm materially, physically and emotionally. The study recommends that the resilience strategies employed by the respondents should be investigated and adopted by appropriate authorities in order to mitigate the regular conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

Silicon, biological seed treatment and cutting reduce the intensity of leaf spot diseases affecting Lolium multiflorum

AbstractItalian ryegrass is a major pasture crop cultivated mainly for feeding cattle in southern Brazil. The choice of crop is based on nutritional quality and the shortage of pastures that occur during the winter in the southernmost part of Brazil. In this region, the production of biomass and seeds are threatened by diseases, in particular fungal diseases that affect the foliage. In this study we identified and monitored the natural occurrence of a complex of leaf spotting diseases and evaluated the effects of combined management practices to reduce the intensity of foliar diseases: seed treatment with Trichoderma atroviride, soil amendment with silicon and cutting frequency (none, one or two cuts). Three diseases were present in a two‐season experiment: grey leaf spot (Pyricularia oryzae), brown leaf spot (Bipolaris sorokiniana) and parrot's eye leaf spot (Cercospora sp.). Grey leaf spot had the highest severity, regardless of treatment, during the first season, and was the only disease present in the following season. Grey leaf spot dominated, and plants receiving only one cut were more prone to P. oryzae infection. The treatments with silicon or T. atroviride reduced the relative disease by 40% to 80%, in relation to untreated and uncut regimes. This study showed the main leaf spot diseases associated with L. multiflorum. Moreover, it demonstrates for the first time in the region the effectiveness of reducing leaf spot via the application of silicon in the soil, inoculation of seeds with T. atroviride and managing the cutting regime.

Impact of Rotational Sequence Selection on Weed Seedbank Composition in Australian Broadacre Crops

The use of competitive crops in successional rotations has been shown to reduce the growth and establishment of annual weeds by the depletion of the weed seedbank in broadacre cropping systems. However, the impact of specific crop rotational sequences contributing to weed seedbank density has not been quantified in the Riverina region of southern Australia. Trials were established in two locations in 2014–2018 to quantify the impact of selected annual rotations featuring grain, pulse, and pasture crops on weed infestation and seedbank dynamics with a focus on winter and summer annual weeds. The weed seedbank dynamics were evaluated by a twice-annual soil sampling regime (at planting and harvest), followed by soil sample screening for weed propagule germination and seedling establishment in a subsequent controlled-environment screening performed from 2014–2020. The weed seedling density decreased in the cereal rotations in years experiencing average to above-average rainfall, as crops established a dense canopy leading to reduced weed establishment and fecundity. Several rotational treatments were effective in suppressing the weed propagule numbers over time, including those using dual-purpose cereals only or a canola break-crop along with the cereals. Rotational selection can be an important and cost-effective tool in integrated weed management systems when applied over multiple growing seasons.

Cropping management in a livestock-pasture-crop integration modifies microbial communities, activity, and soil health score.

Understanding indicators of soil health is crucial for developing agricultural systems that are sustainable and climate resilient. Labile soil carbon (C), microbial properties, and nutrient status are all incorporated into the Haney Soil Health Tool with the goal of summarizing several indicators into one index. Monthly soil samples from an integrated crop-livestock system in Central Texas were collected from 2017 to 2019. Fields represented a range of management practices, including cover crops, no-till, rotational grazing, and a native prairie remnant. Soil samples were analyzed for total C, water-soluble C, macro- and micronutrient content and bioavailability, and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Microbial activity was determined via a 24-h CO2 incubation. Soil health score, C, and PLFAs were well correlated with each other. The greatest total PLFA (219.5nmol g-1 soil) and organic C (54.3g kg-1 soil) were found in the native prairie, and the lowest were found in the unfertilized continuous-corn system (60.5nmol PLFAs g-1 soil and 24.0g organic C kg-1 soil). Of all agroecosystems, the perennial grazing system (soil health score, 24.7) was most similar to the native prairie (soil health score, 27.4), having high soil C and a large microbial community. Of the row cropping systems, the no-till system approached the perennial systems better than the conventional till and unfertilized conventional till (soil health score, 11.1 vs. 8.0 and 5.3, respectively). This study highlights the value of perennial grass grazing in agroecosystems and appropriate best management practices. Expanding this analysis to other sites may provide additional insight.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Tractor Guidance Systems Based on Pasture Management Scenarios

HighlightsTractor guidance (TG) reduced the overlaps and gaps during fertilizer and herbicide applications.Production gains with TG on were 2.7% to 6.5% relative to TG off; however, fuel consumption increased.A 5% increase in yield is needed to make tractor guidance environmentally remunerating.Abstract. The use of auto-guidance on tractors and self-propelled machinery improves agricultural production efficiencies by reportedly avoiding negative environmental impacts from over-applying fertilizers and herbicides. Environmental impacts from auto-tractor guidance systems have not been systematically quantified and are difficult to assess at the farm system level. Therefore, this study uses a life cycle-based assessment to quantify the environmental impacts of deploying tractor guidance (TG) over a range of fertility rates, fertilizer sources (organic and inorganic), equipment, and pasture crops through scenarios based on in-field data (collected with and without TG). The use of TG reduced gaps by 7.6% and 10.1% and reduced absolute overlaps by 32.5% and 4.2% during herbicide and fertilizer application, respectively. Estimated production gains with TG on ranged from 2.7% to 6.5% over the baseline (TG off); however, tractor fuel consumption increased when TG was employed. There was high uncertainty for productivity gain estimates; however, under scenario testing with an assumed 15% yield gain, TG resulted in 8% to 12% reduced environmental impacts across all impact categories relative to non-GPS enabled technologies. Future research should be focused on actual yield-based responses from TG, as well as field emissions, operator experience, and resulting water quality. Overall, yield gains were crucial for improved pasture-based system sustainability when using TG because TG results in fewer gaps and overlaps, thereby resulting in greater input use across pasture landscapes. Consequently, more targeted applications of inputs during production may lead to fewer nutrients in water systems and more sustainable production of food. Keywords: Auto-guidance, Forage systems, Life cycle assessment, Poultry litter, Precision agriculture, Small farms.