Grazing intensity detection by integrating diverse innovative technologies: an application in the Apennines

The rational use of the pastoral resource plays a key role in the conservation of extensive grazing systems, enhancing the marginal areas of the Apennines. Therefore, it is a priority to establish new forms of grazing animals management avoiding over- or undergrazing detrimental effects. Innovative technologies, such as virtual fences and ear tags, allow to manage and monitor animal movements and behaviour. These tools, integrated with time series of multi-sensor satellite data, allow the control of livestock, optimizing the balanced exploitation of pastoral areas. Our study is developed within the VISTOCK project (https://vistock.toscanallevatori.it/), supported by the GAL START TOSCANA, and involves the integrated use of precision livestock tools and satellite time series processed on Google Earth Engine to define animal utilization intensity on pastures through the establishment of grazing thresholds