Forage Mass Estimation in Silvopastoral and Full Sun Systems: Evaluation through Proximal Remote Sensing Applied to the SAFER Model

The operational slowness in the execution of direct methods for estimating forage mass, an important variable defining animal stocking rate, gave rise to need with faster responses and greater territorial coverage. In this context, aim study was evaluate a method estimate mass Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã shaded full sun systems, through proximal sensing applied Simple Algorithm Evapotranspiration Retrieving (SAFER) model, Monteith Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) model. carried out experimental area Fazenda Canchim, research center Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, São Carlos, SP, Brazil (21°57′S, 47°50′W, 860 m), collections reflectance silvopastoral systems production sun. Reflectance data, as well meteorological data obtained by weather station installed area, were used input SAFER model and, later, radiation use efficiency calculate fresh forage. collected field sent laboratory, separated, weighed dried, generating variables pasture total dry mass), leaf stalk index. With pasture, situ, from SAFER, training regression which 80% 20% testing models. able promisingly express behavior variables, significant correlation all them. that best estimation performance leaves stems respectively. It concluded association sensor allowed us obtain fast, precise accurate method.