NZ578201A

NZ578201A - Improvements in or relating to pasture management

Info

Publication number: NZ578201A
Application number: NZ57820106A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Ian Yule; Robert Murray; Hayden Lawrence; James Frederick Stewart; Der Laan Willem-Peter Van; Colin Sanson
Original assignee: C Dax Ltd; Univ Massey
Priority date: 2006-06-08
Filing date: 2006-06-08
Publication date: 2010-07-30

Abstract

A plant matter sensor is disclosed. The plant matter sensor comprises a pair of parallel, spaced apart, substantially vertically disposed sensor arms and a control console. The first arm has a plurality of emitter means spaced along its length. Each emitter is configured and arranged to, in use, emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the arm, where the signal is received by corresponding receivers on the second arm. The control console, in use, controls the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the emitter means. A collection means, in use, collects data from each receiver as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal. A processor processes the data received from the control means and the collection means and determines the height of any plant matter traversed by the plant matter sensor at predetermined intervals. A storage means stores the plant matter height data for subsequent download or analysis. (62) Divided Out of 564782

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 57 8 2 0 1 Patents Form No. 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Divisional Application out of NZ564782 dated 8 June 2006 Improvements in or Relating to Pasture Management We, Farmworks Limited, a New Zealand company of 8 Manchester Square, Fielding, New Zealand, C-Dax Systems Limited, a New Zealand company of 145 Harts Road, Turitea, Palmerston North, New Zealand, and Massey University, a body corporate constituted under the Massey University Act 1963, of Turitea Drive, Palmerston North, New Zealand do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to pasture management, and more particularly to a system for pasture management and to hardware components of such a system. 5 BACKGROUND ART It is generally recognised by commentators and researchers that the next significant frontier in agriculture is the formulation and application of precision agricultural techniques. Precision agriculture means the collection of site-10 specific information, application of that site-specific information in site-specific analysis, and the subsequent making of decisions in truly site-specific manner. Fundamental to the philosophy of precision agriculture is the concept of matching site-specific inputs to site-specific needs; if a part of a field needs 15 more fertilizer, give that part more fertilizer; if a section of a crop needs harvesting early, harvest it early. These are simple, common-sense ideas. However, like many good ideas, there is a significant gap between theory and implementation. The use of management zones is currently the most practical way to implement the theory of precision agriculture. However, this is not truly 20 precision agriculture, as the size of the zones and the process of data collection necessarily involves a relatively significant degree of averaging which in turn impacts on how site-specific decision making can be. One critical area ripe for application of precision agriculture techniques is in 25 feed budgeting systems. Dairy commentators and researchers have suggested that by the use of such systems a net improvement in pasture utilisation of between 10 - 15% may be possible. Using current production costs and returns, including costs associated with increased stocking rate as at the present date estimates, indications are that for New Zealand in 2005 NZ$ terms 30 a 10% improvement correlates to an improvement of some $559 million, with a 15% improvement correlating to an $871 million increase. 2 The gains are based on assumptions that a number of contributing factors will align. One of the more obvious primary contributors is the fact that farmers would be in a position to develop a budgeting approach and make better decisions regarding feed, production and use, but there are other short and long 5 term benefits. Short term benefits include being able to more accurately place break fences and in the calculation of the amount of supplementary feed required, which would mean that cows are less likely to be underfed, which is detrimental to 10 production, or overfed, which is wasteful of resources. Longer term benefits centre around the ability to identify areas or zones within a paddock that are less productive than others, or have less palatable grass. This means that application of fertilisers, weed sprays, drainage, irrigation, over 15 sowing of pasture etc could be targeted at those particular zones. One of the main problems with being able to implement a system of precision pasture management relates to the difficulty of securing an adequate method of pasture measurement. More specific problems include difficulties with obtaining 20 accurate individual measurements or samples, and with obtaining sufficient samples that will allow variability to be taken into account. One of the more common methods of pasture measurement today involves the use of a rising plate meter. There is little intrinsically wrong with rising plate 25 meter measurements as a means of pasture measurement. The problem is that they are slow to use, and so take considerable time to provide enough samples to form an accurate picture of production, and because fewer readings are inherently taken considerable care must be employed to make sure that any readings which are taken are truly representative of the paddock being 30 measured. Fewer samples also give rise to significant potential for errors to creep in, and for any errors to become amplified in their impact. 3 A typical error is of the kind generated when the point of measurement is not representative of the paddock - a particular problem with pasture which is heavily pugged conditions - for example, depending on the total number of readings taken, a reading from the base of a 75 mm hoof print could 5 theoretically have the effect of erroneously adding 920kg of dry matter to the plate reading (Assuming 120kgDMha-1 per cm of plate height). Operator error is thus a significant contributing factor. Errors become more important when measuring growth rates, the shorter the 10 time interval between measurements the worse the problem and the more important is the repeatability of measurement. Further, because of the time consuming nature of doing a pasture cover analysis using a rising plate meter, they are typically done at best every 10 days 15 or so. As a result only a "snapshot" in time of pasture cover is measured. However, such a "snapshot" allows a feed wedge to be determined from the data derived which can indicate an upcoming feed surplus or shortage in the next few weeks. 20 What is not practically possible with a rising plate meter because of the time taken to complete, but which would be extremely beneficial, is a set of pasture pre-grazing measurements taken just before grazing a paddock, and a second set just after grazing a paddock to establish the residual pasture cover, thereby allowing total grass grown between grazings to be calculated, along with the 25 average kilograms of dry matter consumed by each animal to be derived after the fact. There is clearly a need for an improved method and means for pasture measurement to realise the significant benefits that precision pasture 30 management offers, and it is an object of the present invention to provide such an improved method and means, and consequently an improved method and 4 system of pasture management, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 In a first broad aspect this invention provides a plant matter sensor, the sensor comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart substantially vertically disposed sensor arms and a control console, a first of said arms having a plurality of emitter means spaced along its length, each emitter means configured and arranged to, in use, emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the said arm to 10 be received by a corresponding receiver means on the second arm, the control console containing control means to, in use, control the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the said emitter means, collection means to, in use, collect data from each receiver means as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal, processor means to process data received from 15 the control means and the collection means and determine the height of any plant matter traversed by the plant matter sensor and predetermined intervals, and storage means to store the plant matter height data generated by the processor means for subsequent download or analysis. 20 Preferably the sensor emitter means are optimised to emit a high intensity pulse of infra-red light and said receiver means are optimised to receive said high intensity pulse of infra-red light. Desirably the sensor includes twelve emitter means paired with twelve receiver 25 means and wherein the emitter means operate as four banks of three, with every fourth emitter means along the length of the first sensor arm being part of the same bank. Preferably each bank of emitter means emits a pulse of infra-red light in series, 30 preferably with each bank emitting a pulse of no more than 100 milliseconds long. 5 Optimally the sensor is adapted to be able to take at least 200 readings per second. Desirably the emitter means draws at least 250mA to generate high intensity 5 pulses of infra-red light. Preferably the processor means monitors the receiver means for faults, so that if a potential fault is detected the console is able to provide an alert to an operator. 10 Preferably the sensor further includes a GPS receiver such that, in use, each set of data collected by the collection means is geo-referenced as to its collection position. 15 Advantageously the sensor is configured and arranged as a pasture sensor to determine pasture density as kilograms of dry matter per hectare. Preferably the control console further includes a user input interface to enable an operator to input the appropriate time of year and pasture type so that the 20 processor uses the appropriate conversion calculations when calculating pasture density. Desirably the number of pairs of emitter means and receiver means and the sensor reading rate is sufficient to generate a constant silhouette of the plant 25 matter along the line of sensor travel. Advantageously the processor means is adapted to automatically determine the pasture type based on real-time analysis of the silhouette by the processor means. 30 Desirably real-time analysis of the silhouette is also able to identify different plant parts and the presence and type of any weeds. 6 Optimally the processor means is adapted to determine in real-time an appropriate metabolised energy value for each particular plant in the silhouette on the basis of recognition via the silhouette. 5 Preferably the sensor further includes wireless data transfer means to wirelessly upload and download data. In a second broad aspect this invention provides a sensor assembly comprising a sensor mounted in a support frame wherein the sensor comprises a pair of 10 parallel spaced apart substantially vertically disposed sensor arms and a control console, a first of said arms having a plurality of emitter means spaced along its length, each emitter means configured and arranged to, in use, emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the said arm to be received by a corresponding receiver means on the second arm, the control console containing control 15 means to, in use, control the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the said emitter means, collection means to, in use, collect data from each receiver means as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal, processor means to process data received from the control means and the collection means and determine the height of any plant matter traversed by the 20 plant matter sensor and predetermined intervals, and storage means to store the plant matter height data generated by the processor means for subsequent download or analysis and wherein the support frame comprises attachment means for attaching the support frame to a towing vehicle, sensor mounting means for mounting the sensor and maintaining it in a substantially vertical 25 orientation, and ground engagement means to maintain the sensor at a predetermined level above the ground during operation. Preferably the ground engagement means comprise a pair of parallel spaced apart skids wherein each skid further includes a downwardly projecting blade 30 running substantially the length of the underside of said skid. 7 Desirably the sensor assembly further includes wheels for transporting the sensor from one location to another while not in use such that the ground engagement means are no long in ground engagement. 5 Preferably the transport wheels are adapted to move from a transport position to a second position whereat the ground engagement means are in ground engagement and said transport wheels serve as stabilizers against the support frame tipping over sideways when at said second position. 10 Optionally the sensor assembly further including a pair of spaced apart deflector guards configured and arranged to, in use, present a defined bandwidth of pasture passing between the sensor arms. Preferably the defined bandwidth of pasture is 20-200 millimetres narrower than 15 space between sensor arms. Desirably the sensor assembly is configured and arranged so as to be sufficiently heavy that, in use, the ground beneath the skids is slightly flattened as the skids pass over thereby achieving a smoother ride. 20 Preferably the sensor assembly is adapted to travel at a rate of 15-25 kph during operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25 The invention is further described by way of example with reference to preferred embodiments of the various aspects thereof. The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention by way of example only and are not intending to limit its scope. In the drawings: 30 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pasture sensor support frame according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a non-operational, transport configuration; 8 Figure 2: shows a perspective view of the frame of figure 1 with the sensor in the operative position; 10 Figure 3: shows an end elevation of the frame of figure 1 in the non-operational, transport configuration; Figure 4: shows an end elevation of the frame of figure 1 with the sensor in the operative position; Figure 5: shows a schematic diagram of the data flow following a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention; and Figure 6: shows a schematic overview of the components of the pasture 15 management system and method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, and in particular to figures 1 to 4, the pasture meter of the present invention is generally indicated at 100, and comprises two major 20 parts, the sensor arms 2 which are mounted on a towing frame 1, and control and display console (illustrated schematically in figure 5 at 3) which is mounted on the towing vehicle, such as, for example, the ATV shown as 500 in figure 6. As can be seen, the sensor arms 2 are set in parallel, space apart, relationship, 25 and are mounted on the towing frame 1 so that in use they are maintained in substantially vertical orientation, with their lower ends 4 at or slightly above ground level. The first, emitter, arm 5 of the sensor arms 2 preferably has twelve infrared LED 30 emitters 6 spaced apart vertically at 20mm intervals along its length, beginning at the lower end 4. There are twelve corresponding photo transistors 7, optimised for infrared, on the second, receiving, arm 8. The twelve emitters 6 9 are connected as four banks of three LEDs, so that the first bank, for example, consists of LEDs at positions "1", "5"and "9", the second bank at position "2", "6" and "10", and so on. 5 Only one bank of emitters 6 is briefly pulsed on at a time, desirably for in the order of one hundred microseconds, and is controlled automatically by the display and control console 3. Pulsing one bank of emitters 6 at a time helps eliminate cross-talk between channels, because an individual photo transistor 7 is only exposed to light from the emitter 6 directly opposite. The three adjacent 10 emitters 6 either side are off. The actual number of emitters 6 in total and in each bank may vary depending on the level of detail required from each reading pulse, and the height and nature of the pasture cover to be read. 15 A further benefit of using a very short "on" time for each bank of emitters 6 is that high current can be used safely (about 250mA, although a higher current is considered preferable), giving a high output of infra-red light. The high light output allows the sensitivity of the photo transistors 7 to be reduced, minimising 20 the impact of the infra-red component of ambient daylight. The pasture sensor 100 preferably has a number of user-selectable measuring modes, interpreting the output from the twelve photo transistors 7 in slightly different ways. For example, a uniformly dense dairy pasture may require a 25 different approach from a dry sparse pasture with seed heads. It is within the contemplation of the present invention for the measuring mode to be auto selected so as to suit the pasture condition. Desirably a processor (identified schematically in figure 5 as part of the 30 console 3) within the display and control console 3 also monitors the photo transistors 7 for fault conditions. For example, a photo transistor 7 that consistently shows no received signal, when adjacent photo transistors 7 are 10 changing between receiving/not receiving as the pasture meter 100 passes through the pasture, is interpreted as a fault. In such circumstances the display and control console 3 can alert the operator to check the emitters 6 and transistors 7. 5 Calibration of the pasture meter 100 can be undertaken manually to enable seasonal factors to be taken into account. However, automatic calibration is contemplated by detecting grass quality. 10 There are a number of options in terms of how the pasture meter 100 can be operated. The principal focus of the meter 100 is to measure pasture height. To that end, in the first mode of operation in any series of readings the pasture meter 100 15 records the identity of the middle photo transistor 7 to present a no signal receipt status from the corresponding emitter 6. However, if the no signal receipt status is continuous down the length of the sensor arm 2, or is the status achieved by the middle but not the top photo transistor 7, then that particular reading is recorded as a null reading. Despite that such null readings are 20 accounted for, and can be used as a measure of pasture density or quality. For example, if the pasture contains a large number of seed heads then a high number of null readings would be expected. This would be recorded and can be displayed. However, only full readings are used for pasture quantitative assessment. 25 In a second mode of operation the pasture meter 100 operates in much the same way as in the first mode described above, however, it is only the top photo transistor 7 which does not receive a signal, and below which all others also do not receive a signal, that is recorded. So for example sensor 30 position "11" has a no signal receipt status reading, but positions "10" and "9" do record a signal receipt, and positions "8" and below are all blocked, the height 11 reading is taken as corresponding to position "8". The advantage of this is that we have a more accurate idea of the actual useful higher quality leafy pasture. In reality the status of the signal to each of the photo transistors 7 are all 5 continually recorded, with the readings recorded as a 12 digit binary number. Interpretation of that number is a matter for analysis by the pasture meter 100 processor and associated software algorithms and/or firmware. Optionally the pasture meter 100 can do post-processing of the recorded data 10 to convert a series of height readings into pasture density calibrated as kilograms of dry matter per hectare (kg/DM/Ha). These algorithms are relatively sophisticated, and take into account seasonal variations, long stalky grass where not all sensors are eclipsed contiguously, rough grass where there is a great variation in the height readings, pre and post-grazing situations, pasture 15 species, and disregard occasional interference by contaminants on one or more of the emitters 6 or photo transistors 7. The pasture meter 100 collects multiple height reads at once, however as described above, the sensor processor averages the height based on the 20 seasonal formula and other operator input values. By increasing the number of sensors and increasing the reading recordal rate a far more detailed picture, amounting to a silhouette of the pasture, can be obtained from which it is possible to derive more information. The advantage of 25 having a silhouette which is basically a binary mathematical array of 1's and 0's is that it can be handled and analysed very quickly and efficiently. Having sufficient data to establish a silhouette of the pasture traversed enables a far greater level of information to be derived about the pasture condition, 30 make up and feed value. Post processing of the gathered data can take place on the fly as part of the pasture sensor processing functionality, or can occur as part of a separate software suite. 12 As illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the preferred embodiment of the frame 1 comprises a mount 11 for the sensor arms 2 of the pasture meter 100, capturing and maintaining them in parallel spaced apart relationship. Essentially the mount 11 is an inverted U shaped bracket, locating one arm 2 and their associated emitter 6/photo transistor 7 electronic hardware on each "leg" 12 of the U, with the remaining electronics of the sensor arms 2 preferably located safely and securely in the cross portion of the mount 11. Each of the legs 12 terminates in a short skid 13, each preferably having a slightly upturned leading end 14 and flat a trailing end 15. The under surface 16 of each skid 13 is preferably substantially flat thereby facilitating the sliding of the frame 1 and sensor arm 2 combination over the ground. Desirably extending downwardly from the under surface 16 of each skid 13, parallel to the direction of intended travel of the skid 13, is a blade 17, the purpose of which in use is to minimise lateral sliding of the frame 1 in travel, thereby enhancing the smooth passage of the frame 1 and sensor arms 2 over the ground. The frame 1 further includes attachment means 18 for attaching the support frame 1 to a towing vehicle, such as the ATV 500 of figure 4. The attachment means 18 preferably comprises a "V" shaped drawbar 19, having each "leg" of the "V" attaching to a corresponding arm 2 of the sensor 100, and having a tow ball type joint 20 for attachment to a standard tow ball fitted to the towing vehicle. The weight of the pasture meter 100 assembly, coupled with the trailing arm configuration of the drawbar 19, encourages the skids 13 to maintain ground contact in use. However, with the speed of data measurement at a minimum of 200 cycles per second, which translates into a measurement rate of about one reading per two or three centimetres of ground travel at 15 to 25kph the loss of a few data sets for a hole or bump is considered to be inconsequential. Holes and similar have the greatest effect on very hard ground, but normal pasture allows for good traverse as the weight of the complete assembly tends to mould the ground as it goes achieving a smoother and more accurate ride. 5 Other configurations of the frame 1 contemplated include mounting at the front of a vehicle so that it is driven rather than towed, and the use of wheels rather than skids to follow the contours of the paddock being traversed. Longer "skis" as opposed to the shorter skids found in the preferred embodiment are also 10 contemplated. The skids of the preferred embodiment are, however, the preferred ground engagement means. As can be seen in the drawings of the preferred embodiment, figures 1 to 4, the frame 1 further includes deflector guards 21. The guards 21 are adapted to 15 present a defined bandwidth of pasture between the sensor arms 2. This band width is some 20-200 millimetres narrower than the spacing between the sensor arms 2. The reason for that is to prevent problems with contamination of the glass surfaces covering the emitter 6 and transistor 7 lenses which would otherwise result in erroneous readings and/or failure to detect a signal 20 registration. This can be a particular problem when the grass is damp, wet, or fouled with excrement. The guards 21 extend substantially from ground level upwards and deflect any animal excrement and other contaminants, as well as grass either transversely 25 outwardly of, or in the case of grass, under, the skids 13 and way from the sensor arms 2. While the shape and configuration of the guards 21 serve to keep the wet grass and other contaminants from the emitters 6 and transistors 7, other options, 30 such as the use of air pressure to clear the lenses and holes through which the emitters 6 and transistors 7 send and receive is also anticipated. 14 To facilitate transport of the pasture meter 100 the frame 1 further includes a pair of wheels 22, one adjacent either sensor arm 2. The wheels are pivotable, in an arc substantially vertically perpendicular to their axis of rotation, between a first, transport position, at which the wheels 22 are in ground contact and 5 holding the pasture meter 100 a clearance distance above the ground (as shown in figures 1 and 3) and a second, retracted, position at which the wheels 22 are pivoted up and out of ground contact, allowing the skids 13 of the pasture meter 100 to engage the ground (as shown in figures 2 and 4). A lever arm mechanism 23 is used to actuate the wheels 22 from the first, transport 10 position to the second, retracted, position and vis versa. Preferably once in one or other position the wheels 22 are locked in that position via a locking mechanism (not shown). When the wheels 22 are in the retracted position they act as outrigger 15 stabilisers, so that if, during operation, the pasture meter 100 hits a large bump or the like and starts to tilt over the corresponding wheel 22 on the down side of the tilt will engage the ground briefly, prevent the meter 100 from tipping over, and encourage it to right itself. 20 Key advantages of having the pasture sensor operate from the back of a vehicle such as an ATV are that accurate and fast mapping or recording of pasture yields and growth rates are possible. Further, large areas can be covered, including all paddocks accessible by an ATV. With more measurements increased accuracy of result is achieved, and with fast measurement the 25 information obtained can be used at all levels of farm management, including at the operational (day to day grazing), tactical (feed budgeting), and strategic (Zone management, yield mapping, VRT) levels. At its most basic level, and where an average reading for each paddock is all 30 that is required, that data can be displayed on a display on the console 3, and noted down by the operator. 15 Optionally and alternatively, data from the pasture sensor console can be uploaded directly to a PDA, either wirelessly, or via a connection cable. Preferably the data transfer module used to transfer the data electronically also allows paddock identifiers and areas to be downloaded into the PDA, and then 5 into the pasture sensor console, to minimise the amount of data the operator needs to enter in the field so that when initiating the measurement of a paddock all the operator need do would be to either enter a paddock number or select a paddock from a predefined list. 10 In more preferred embodiments data from the pasture meter console 3 can be uploaded directly to a PDA in real-time or in batches. This allows the operator the flexibility of keeping the PDA in a jacket pocket while riding around the paddock. 15 Conveniently the uploaded data can be represented in real time on the paddock map displayed on the PDA to produce a readings trail allowing on the fly assessment of the acceptability of the reading process. It also provides an audit trail to show that the operator has complied with correct method of covering the paddock. Once sensing has been completed the uploaded data 20 can then be downloaded from the PDA. A method of use of the pasture management system of the present invention is illustrated schematically in figure 6. It uses the pasture sensor 1 of the invention towed behind an ATV 500 to provide geo-referenced pasture cover 25 data via GPS 200 to a separate PC based software suite 300, thereby enabling optimal and efficient decision making. A PDA 400 can be used to provide in the field access to the resultant information, and as a tool to transfer and update data. 30 Referring specifically to figure 5, in its most preferred form the data flow involves the pasture meter 100 taking 200 height readings per second. Pasture height is averaged over 1 or a few seconds. The processor in the console 3 on 16 the towing vehicle calculates a KgDM/Ha figure from the height information using a linear equation. It also calculates a rolling average for height. The data is transferred wirelessly to a PDA every few seconds. When each paddock is completed summary data including the average height is also transmitted to the 5 PDA. An application on the PDA (or the processor in the console 3 of the pasture meter 100) writes shared summary and detail files. If these files were created by the processor they are then transferred to the PDA. Directly on the PDA a 10 software application allows a feed calculation to be performed and additional details recorded. Once the pasture meter reading process has been completed the PDA is docked with a PC and the shared summary and detail files transferred. 15 Use of the pasture sensor enables the collection of data at a speed and level of efficiency not previously possible, with the only significant on the ground data collection device until now being a plate meter. Further, use of the pasture sensor reduces variability due to operator technique, and the number of 20 readings produces a more accurate result. Further, with GPS functionality operator performance can be audited based on the data collection "snail trail", as illustrated in figure 9. The display of accurately rendered pasture cover data onto a GPS farm map 25 gives the ability to identify variations in productivity within areas of paddocks, and thereby plan fertiliser application, irrigation and drainage requirements to maximise overall paddock productivity while at the same time avoid wastage of resources through application to areas not requiring those resources. 30 As noted earlier, by increasing the number of sensors and increasing the reading recordal rate a far more detailed picture amounting to a silhouette of the pasture can be obtained from which it is possible to derive more information. 17 The advantage of having a silhouette which is basically a binary mathematical array of 1's and O's is that it can be handled and analysed very quickly and efficiently. 5 Having sufficient data to establish a silhouette of the pasture traversed enables a far greater level of information to be derived about the pasture condition, make up and feed value. Post processing of the gathered data can either take place on the fly as part of the pasture sensor processing functionality, or as part of the software suite. 10 By comparing the silhouette profile with sample profiles the software can determine qualitative characteristics of the pasture. Whether this is done on the fly by the pasture sensor console, or via the PC software, analysing the silhouette profile enables the determination of the actual plant type and the 15 percentage of that plant growing along the path traversed through the paddock. This in turn can lead to far more accurate determination of the feed content in the paddock by the percentage of the various plant types growing in it e.g. grasses, weeds etc. 20 Traditionally pasture cover has been measured in kilograms of dry matter per hectare. However a more useful measurement is of the metabolisable energy, measured in mega joules, of the pasture. Several factors influence the conversion ratio from kilograms of dry matter per hectare to mega joules of 25 energy. This includes the pasture grass type, the season, recent weather conditions, and whether the grass is short and lush, or long and stalky, and the presence of weeds. Automatically applying the appropriate metabolisable energy value for each 30 particular plant time as it appears in the silhouette, or even undertaking that calculation on a measured pasture content basis would provide a more accurate measure in mega joules of the available feed value. 18 Using this approach would negate the need to select from pre-defined dry matter to available feed formulae, which currently requires operator involvement to select the correct formula for the time of year. 5 Using silhouette imaging analysis can be supplemented by inputting pasture type reference information for each paddock to provide a base line or, alternatively the software could take the latitude and long coordinates from the GPS point and couple that with the date to automatically reference the correct 10 formula for that time and region. Another advantage that flows from the silhouette analysis approach is the ability to detecting things like urine spots in paddocks. These can be later utilised for variable rate fertiliser application, by cutting down the fertiliser application in 15 area where there is a high density of urine spots. The method can also used to identify patches of weeds which could then be sprayed out. Patches of thistle can be easily detected for example. Further, the degree of variation over a short distance will also give an indication of quality. 20 For example pugged areas will be more variable in pasture cover, with very uneven or sparse stands of grass. The method and systems of the present invention provide both immediate and long term benefits. The short term benefits include more accurate placing of 25 break fences and calculation of the amount of supplementary feed required. This means the cows are less likely to be underfed (detrimental to production) or overfed (which is wasteful). The long term benefits centre around identifying areas or zones within a 30 paddock that are less productive than others (or have less palatable grass). This means that application of fertilisers, weed sprays, drainage, irrigation, over sowing of pasture etc can be targeted at particular zones within a paddock. 19 Also with the level of information available through use of the system and method of the invention the effect of different grazing regimes can be quantified. This allows the farmer to experiment with different techniques in terms of the 5 initial and residual cover - for example in any given area to decide whether is it best to graze a paddock lightly or hard. This allows the farmer to optimise grazing rotations specifically to their individual farm (as opposed to using text book or traditional approaches). Traditionally only research organisations would have had the ability to quantify the effect of different pasture management 10 approaches to down to this level of detail. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. 15 Accordingly it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiment of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein. For example, where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents then such 20 equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Other uses for the pasture sensor, with minimal modification, are expressly contemplated, such as measuring crop growth and yield, field production performance, vine and tree growth and in similar applications. 25 Finally it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the invention as claimed. 20 </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A plant matter sensor, the sensor comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart substantially vertically disposed sensor arms and a control console, a first of said arms having a plurality of emitter means spaced along its length, each emitter means configured and arranged to, in use, emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the said arm to be received by a corresponding receiver means on the second arm, the control console containing control means to, in use, control the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the said emitter means, collection means to, in use, collect data from each receiver means as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal, processor means to process data received from the control means and the collection means and determine the height of any plant matter traversed by the plant matter sensor and predetermined intervals, and storage means to store the plant matter height data generated by the processor means for subsequent download or analysis. 2. A sensor according to claim 1 wherein the sensor emitter means are optimised to emit a high intensity pulse of infra-red light and said receiver means are optimised to receive the said high intensity pulse of infra-red light emitted by the said sensor emitter means. 3. A sensor according to claim 2 wherein the sensor includes twelve emitter means paired with twelve receiver means and wherein the emitter means operate as four banks of three, with every fourth emitter means along the length of the first sensor arm being part of the same bank. 4. A sensor according to claim 3 wherein each bank of emitter means emits a pulse of infra-red light in series, preferably with each bank emitting a pulse of no more than 100 milliseconds long. 5. A sensor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor is adapted to be able to take at least 200 readings per second. A sensor according to claim 5 wherein the emitter means draws at least 250mA to generate high intensity pulses of infra-red light. A sensor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor means monitors the receiver means for faults, so that if a potential fault is detected the console is able to provide an alert to an operator. A sensor according to any one of the preceding claims further including a GPS receiver such that, in use, each set of data collected by the collection means is geo-referenced as to its collection position. A sensor according to claim 1 configured and arranged as a pasture sensor to determine pasture density as kilograms of dry matter per hectare. A sensor according to claim 9 wherein the control console further includes a user input interface to enable an operator to input the appropriate time of year and pasture type so that the processor uses the appropriate conversion calculations when calculating pasture density. 25 11. A sensor according to claim 9 wherein the number of pairs of emitter means and receiver means and the sensor reading rate is sufficient to generate a constant silhouette of the plant matter along the line of sensor travel. 30 12. A sensor according to claim 11 wherein the processor means is adapted to automatically determine the pasture type based on real-time analysis of the silhouette by the processor means. 22 6. 5 7. 10 8. 15 9. 20 10. RECEIVED at IPONZ on 11 November 2009 13. A sensor according to claim 12 wherein real-time analysis of the silhouette is also able to identify different plant parts and the presence and type of any weeds. 5 14. A sensor according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the processor means is adapted to determine in real-time an appropriate metabolised energy value for each particular plant in the silhouette on the basis of recognition via the silhouette. 10 15. A sensor according to any one of the preceding claims further including wireless data transfer means to wirelessly upload and download data. 16. A sensor assembly comprising a sensor according to claim 1 mounted in 15 a support frame wherein the support frame comprises attachment means for attaching the support frame to a towing vehicle, sensor mounting means for mounting the sensor and maintaining it in a substantially vertical orientation, and ground engagement means to maintain the sensor at a predetermined level above the ground during operation. 20 17. A sensor assembly according to claim 16 wherein the ground engagement means comprise a pair of parallel spaced apart skids wherein each skid further includes a downwardly projecting blade running substantially the length of the underside of said skid. 25 18. A sensor assembly according to claim 16 further including wheels for transporting the sensor from one location to another while not in use such that the ground engagement means are no long in ground engagement. 30 19. A sensor assembly according to claim 18 wherein the transport wheels are adapted to move from a transport position to a second position 23 REr C I W r- _ RECEIVED at IPONZ on 11 November 2009 5 20. 10 21. 22. 15 23. 20 24. 25 25. whereat the ground engagement means are in ground engagement and said transport wheels serve as stabilizers against the support frame tipping over sideways when at said second position. A sensor assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19 further including a pair of spaced apart deflector guards configured and arranged to, in use, present a defined bandwidth of pasture passing between the sensor arms. A sensor assembly according to claim 20 wherein the defined bandwidth of pasture is 20-200 millimetres narrower than space between sensor arms. A sensor assembly according to claim 17 configured and arranged so as to be sufficiently heavy that, in use, the ground beneath the skids is slightly flattened as the skids pass over thereby achieving a smoother ride. A sensor assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 22 adapted to travel at a rate of 15-25 kph during operation. A sensor according to claim 1 substantially as herein described or exemplified. A sensor assembly according to claim 16 substantially as herein described or exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30 MASSEY UNIVERSITY C-DAX SYSTEMS LIMITED FARMWORKS LIMITED By their authorised attorneys Per: 24 A sensor assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 22 adapted to travel at a rate of 15-25 kph during operation. A sensor according to claim 1 substantially as herein described or exemplified. A sensor assembly according to claim 16 substantially as herein described or exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings. MASSEY UNIVERSITY C-DAX SYSTEMS LIMITED FARMWORKS LIMITED By their authorised attorneys Per: 25 </div>