Estimation of Energy Flux and Biomass in Pasture Areas through Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

Pasture production is estimated through remote sensing techniques with the aid of models and algorithms. The application with no need for extensive field measurements is one of the advantages of the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL). The objective of this work was to estimate energy fluxes and, subsequently, pasture biomass with the aid of remote sensing techniques. The study area is located on the Experimental Farm of Embrapa Beef Cattle, municipality of Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. For the implementation of the SEBAL and estimation of energy fluxes and biomass of the pasture areas, meteorological data and Landsat 5 - TM image were used. It was found that the technique has the potential to be applied to indicate the forage availability and to support decision-making in the planning and management of the extensive production of beef and milk cattle, with economic and environmental sustainability of pasture areas.