Optimization of Grassland Carrying Capacity with Grass Quality Indicators Through GF5B Hyperspectral Images

The accurate estimation of grassland carrying capacity (GCC) in the alpine grasslands of the Changjiang River source region is crucial for managing livestock loads and ensuring ecological security on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Previous remote sensing methods have predominantly focused on yield indicators, often neglecting quality indicators, which hampers precise GCC estimation. Here, we collected 25 samples from the Dangqu basin, analyzing various grass parameters including yield, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Then, we developed models to optimize GCC using quality indicators derived from GF5B images, assessing performance through Pearson correlation coefficient (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative root mean square error (rRMSE). Results were found to show an average yield of 61.26 g/m2, with CP, ADF, and NDF ranging from 5.81% to 18.75%, 45.47% to 58.80%, and 27.50% to 31.81%, respectively. Spectra in the near-infrared range, such as 1918 nm, and spectral indices improved the accuracy of the hyperspectral inversion of grass parameters. The GCC increased from 0.51 SU·hm−2 to 0.63 SU·hm−2 post-optimization, showing an increasing trend from northwest to southeast. This study enhances GCC estimation accuracy, aiding in reasonable livestock management and effective ecological preservation.