Evaluation of technologies for differential fertilizer application: new concepts in permanent pastures management

Abstract

The interest in application of new technologies that facilitate and promote integrated management of permanent pastures is justified by their importance in the Alentejo region. The diversity in the pasture development patterns reflects the variability in the soil, topography, annual climate conditions and animal grazing systems. The use of expedite variability monitoring tools, based on sensors and ground positioning systems open new perspectives for knowledge, a pillar of the decision making process. The concept of precision agriculture relies on the differentiated fertilizer application technology to close the cycle which constitutes an important step in the process of agriculture modernization. This article presents some of the research work carried out in the field of technologies applied to pastures in Portugal, with emphasis on the results obtained in a demonstration project carried out between 2004 and 2013 by the farm mechanization team of the University of Évora.