The median quadrat technique for measuring herbage mass (kilograms of dry matter per hectare, kg DM/ha) is only one of several methods available. If this technique is used to predict the herbage mass of paddocks, selection of an area that adequately represents the paddock will be critical for an accurate assessment.

Before selecting the representative area it is essential to evaluate all parts of the paddock to obtain an appreciation of the extent of the paddock’s variation. The area selected should represent average yield (herbage mass) and composition (green, dead, legume and weed) of the whole paddock.

This Primefact details the method for measurement as well as the equipment required.