News Release
August 29, 2008

UW extension bulletin explains Robel Pole method of measuring forage.

A method to measure residual forage after grazing is explained in a new bulletin available from the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service.

MP-111.10, Robel Pole Technique and Data Interpretation, was written by Professor Mike Smith, extension rangeland management specialist. It is available online at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/MP111_10.pdf.

The Robel pole is named for its originator, wildlife biologist Robert Robel of Kansas. “It is consistent, reliable and cost effective, and it covers a large area in a short amount of time if established procedure is followed,” said Smith.

The Robel pole is a 4-foot long white rod with half-inch bands alternating white and gray on the lower 18 inches. The bands are numbered starting at the bottom with 0. A 4-meter string is attached 39 inches from the bottom of the pole. A reading of the last band visible when seen from a distance of 4 meters is taken with the base firmly on the soil surface. A formula is then used to calculate the estimated amount of forage.

Residual amount guidelines should provide a resource manager with a better tool to assess soil surface protection from erosion, forage remaining for other users or adequacy of remaining forage to sustain livestock, said Smith.

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Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWAG/news.asp

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