MediaLab trials effluent monitoring solution

MediaLab trials effluent monitoring solution

MediaLab is leading research to develop a remote effluent monitoring system designed to benefit dairy farmers and the environment.

Effluent management is a complex task, influenced by changing environmental conditions. This smart system is intended to provide farmers with easy access to the relevant, timely information needed to effectively manage effluent disposal.

“The resulting improvements could enhance farm productivity and sustainability through more efficient irrigation, minimising runoff into surrounding waterways”, says MediaLab Programme Manager, Bridgit Hawkins.

MediaLab is developing the solution in conjunction with Massey University, Telecom and BayCity Technologies, supported by funding from the Sustainable Farming Fund. Information collected at the farm monitoring site would be distributed via Telecom’s 027 mobile network and be accessible to farmers via website, email or text message.

“Farmers have been quick to embrace the use of technology to enhance their operations and this is a practical example of how technology and innovation can deliver benefits for rural New Zealand in a seamless way”, says David Walker, Rural Market Manager for Telecom’s Gen-i business.

“Effluent is a valuable fertiliser and needs to be used efficiently.” It is challenging to ensure that your disposal system is working well. A complete monitoring solution could improve productivity and help us to achieve our environmental goals”, says dairy farmer, Stephen Barr. “We don’t want to have spills or over application. Being alerted, via text message to urgent issues such as an irrigator blockage would be useful.”

Over time, this technology will enable a farmer to enhance their effluent disposal system to better meet their needs (either reduce the amount of effluent produced, increase storage capacity or the area for irrigation) and operate within best practice guidelines.

“This new research programme is a natural progression from Massey University’s previous research on the sustainable management of dairy effluent. The project has the potential to deliver a suite of simple systems which will give accurate and timely information to farmers on the performance of their effluent management system; alerting them to any potential problems before they become a compliance issue”, says Gareth Evans, Director-Agricultural Services.

The monitoring system will collect and interpret data on contributing factors such as pond and soil moisture levels, irrigator functioning, local wind conditions, combined with weather forecasts.

The trial will be completed at Massey University in early 2008, with a view to developing a prototype system for New Zealand farms, with export potential.

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