Importance and Problems in Grassland Yield Examination

Gaál, Márta – Sipos, Nikoletta – Molnár, András

Keywords: yield estimation, grassland type, database, farming logbook, FADN, Q15, Q18

The European Union (EU) and the national agricultural policy require an accurate register of grasslands where knowledge of the yields has particular importance. Analysis of farming logbook data revealed several uncertainties, of which the uncertain yields (zero or unrealistic values) are the biggest problem. Both in the case of FADN and farming logbook data, yield quantity means only the mown grass and does not include grazing, so the yields of the pastures are underestimated. The problems of the changing LPIS blocks and linking data with different spatial resolution could be overcome in the future using a constant grid (e.g. 100 × 100 m). Remote sensing methods can be also useful in the estimation of yield, especially comparing the variability among years and detecting damage. Collection and synthesis of yield and management (irrigation/fertilisation) data available in published studies for specific regions could help the estimation of grass yield significantly.
The development of a grassland information system is needed because:
• lack of reliable data (significantly diverse data in different databases),
• adaptation to climate change and the EU’s agricultural and environmental policy,
• establishing strategic policy measures for grassland management and livestock production,
• possible inclusion of grasslands in the agricultural risk management system.

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