GrassMaster II Drymatter Instrument - Novel Ways Products 

The Grass Master II records the dry matter (DM) in kg/ha (or lb/acre) for up to 200 paddocks. It does this using the capacitance method. A low voltage electric field spreads out into the grass or growing material near the base of the probe, and changes in this field are strongly related to the water mass nearby, and by difference to the dry matter of the material.

There is a selection of grassland equations available, backed up by Tru-Test research. You can also use your own equation for specific crops, calculated using the cut-weigh-dry method. Novel Ways staff are working on a universal equation.

Of course the results can also be sent directly to your computer spreadsheet or feedbudget program (Feedpad QA is the best example, see  www.livestocktargets.co.nz  for affordable software perfectly suited to pastoral farming). Below is an example of FeedWedge produced by the GrassMaster and Feedpad QA.

The GrassMaster II is very quick and easy to use, gives highly repeatable results, and suits any terrain and grass condition. It can be used in damp conditions using the dispersant oil provided.

The DM readings can be used to find the drymatter improvement from fertiliser applications, and to log the growth rate of new and established pastures. Being a quantitative measurement (not an eye-o-meter), you can record trends over the years, and between properties.