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Evaluation of spatial and temporal variability of pasture based on topography and the quality of the rainy season

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Abstract

Yield and botanical composition of a given dry-land pasture are heavily influenced by rainfall distribution, and vary according to topography. Through analyzing these parameters, it is possible to identify patterns of spatial distribution, related to topographic characteristics, which can be used to improve spatial management of pasture. The main objective of this project was to assess the role of rainfall, temperature and topography in the spatial and temporal variability of pasture and establish models for predicting the spatial distribution and yield of certain plant species, based on its topographic characteristics. This study was carried out over three years, 2004 to 2006, in a dry-land pasture located in Southern Portugal. The data obtained were analyzed as a function of distance to flow lines and the results demonstrate that certain topographical characteristics, associated with agronomic information, can be very useful in explaining the spatial and temporal variability of yield and the botanical composition of the pasture. The slope of the linear regression of the variables mentioned can be used to estimate the spatial variation of yield and the botanical composition as a function of distance to flow lines. The regression coefficient can be estimated from the annual rainfall, given the strong correlation between the two.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Eng. Jorge Mendes and Eng. João Roma who provided field work support. The research reported in this paper was conducted with financial support from the PO-AGRO research program (project AGRO 390) and from ICAM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rural Engineering Department, ICAM, University of Évora, P.O. Box 94, 7002-554, Evora, Portugal

    J. R. Marques da Silva, José O. Peça & João M. Serrano

  2. Department of Agronomy, University of Évora, Evora, Portugal

    Mário J. de Carvalho & Paulo M. Palma

Authors
  1. J. R. Marques da Silva
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  2. José O. Peça
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  3. João M. Serrano
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  4. Mário J. de Carvalho
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  5. Paulo M. Palma
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Correspondence to J. R. Marques da Silva.

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Marques da Silva, J.R., Peça, J.O., Serrano, J.M. et al. Evaluation of spatial and temporal variability of pasture based on topography and the quality of the rainy season. Precision Agric 9, 209–229 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-008-9066-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-008-9066-0

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