There are 6 Work Packages in the project:
WP1 Collection of reference data for sward yield modelling
The main objective of work package 1 is to prepare adequate ground truth data set for the realization of subsequent work packages aimed at the analysis of grass growth conditions and yield modeling. The reference data will comprise two types of information – in-situ measured soil-vegetation parameters and meteorological data.
WP2 Classification of grassland types using satellite data
The main objective of work package 2 is to prepare classification maps of grasslands for the selected test areas, with the general division into high-productive grasslands and low-yielding unimproved grasslands. The classification approach will be based on applying time series of high-resolution Sentinel-2 satellite data to discriminate grassland types. The classification maps will be necessary for further works related to grass yield modeling and for the appropriate establishment of ground measurement networks.
WP3 Use of satellite-based indices for grass growth monitoring
The main objective of work package 3 is to identify available methods and develop new algorithms to estimate grass growth and other biophysical parameters from high-resolution satellite data for
two different environments, Poland and northern Norway. The main objective can be broken down into the following goals:
- Determine relationships between vegetation indices derived from high-resolution satellite data and in situ measurements, obtained in WP1, that characterize grass growth and quality.
- Analyse (existing) in situ hyperspectral data in relation to ground truth data to develop new models to predict yield.
- Develop a model based on time series of vegetation indices to predict yield in areas with extensive cloud cover.
- Create maps of vegetation parameters over the study regions during the growing seasons.
- Compare the methods and relationships between the 2 study regions to identify similarities and differences between different climates, grass species compositions, and growing conditions.
WP4 Assessment of grass damage due to adverse weather conditions
The main objective of WP 4 is to develop methods for determining stressful conditions of grasslands over the growing seasons caused by drought conditions, severe winterkill conditions or affected by lack of proper nutrition. The satellite data and in-situ measurements will be applied.
WP5 Combining a process-based grassland model and satellite sensed information
Calibrate a process-based grassland model (BASGRA) under drought-stressed conditions in Poland using different combinations of grassland characteristics data (LAI, stand density biomass yield) that
are derived from satellite-sensed data, and from ground registrations
- Calibrate a process-based grassland model (BASGRA) under winter (stressed) conditions in Northern using different combinations of grassland characteristics data (stand density before and after the winter season) that are derived from satellite-sensed data, and from ground registrations
- Test the calibrated model against independent data under drought-stressed conditions in Poland
- Test the calibrated model against independent data under winter-stressed conditions in Norway
- Simulate winter survival and growing season using real-time updates with satellite-sensed data
WP6 Development of web-based service / mobile application for grassland management
Activities within WP 6 will be focused on creating a website dedicated to presenting project outcomes, i.e., information about grass growth conditions, indications of drought-affected areas, winter kills, and areas affected by various management methods (WP 4), as well as forecasts of grass yields (WP5), drought, frost damages, and the impact of different management methods (WP 4), and grass yield forecasts (WP5). Concurrently, a mobile application will be developed to deliver the same products to individual farmers. The prepared tool will also be useful for organizations responsible for agricultural production – Agricultural Advisory Centers in Poland and Norwegian agricultural advisory services.
Collaboration with leading agricultural associations, such as the “Polish Association of Beef Cattle Producers” (approx. 3000 farmers) and the “Polish Association of Milk Producers”, along with agricultural advisors, will help reach a broad audience within the industry. This collaboration will be ensured by GEOMATIC – an industrial partner.
The main goal of the IT platform is not only to deliver data to end users but also to provide access to the results through an API to disseminate the system in existing systems, such as for producers, but also for public entities. Equally important, we would like to continue developing the system, opening it to partners who would like to add something in the future. For this reason, an open structure and API will be crucial. In the final stage of this work package, the project results will be demonstrated and disseminated among the user community. Project achievements will also be presented through publications in relevant journals and at conferences. An interactive website will also be a form of dissemination activity, used for gathering information.
