Image-based assessment of cattle manure-induced soil erosion in grazing systems

Abstract

Extensive livestock farming significantly impacts soil erosion, necessitating accurate monitoring and assessment to mitigate environmental damage and enhance sustainable pasture management. This study employs unsupervised classification of high-resolution drone imagery to detect and quantify soil erosion associated with cattle manure in pastures, focusing on evaluating classification algorithms, identifying relevant spectral and textural features, and quantifying the extent and severity of erosion. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of unsupervised classification in identifying erosion zones and their impact on soil health and water quality. Field validation confirms the accuracy of the analysis, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices such as controlled manure redistribution and soil conservation to mitigate erosion and protect natural resources. This approach offers practical tools for mitigating the environmental impacts of semi-extensive livestock farming and promoting more sustainable management. The findings provide practical recommendations for sustainable pasture management, contributing to environmental conservation and the long-term health of live-stock systems.