Category Archives: Environment
Remote sensing of river quality
Have a look at our new story map – it shows how Wintec researchers in the primary industry and sustainability teams are working with Beef and Lamb farmers in a priority water catchment. The aim it to use sensors to measure environmental indicators to engage with farmers so they can understand the ‘footprint” of their farms […]
The Smart Garden is heating up!
We have been working furiously on making the Smart Garden project (sponsored by Curious Minds) a success. Fortunately, we have been privileged to work with some really smart young people! We kicked off our campaign and jumped straight into starting to make sensors for our garden. The first sessions were attended by about 30 enthusiastic […]
Using young talent in our projects!
We have been working hard on producing the sensor sets for a large environmental project (in collaboration with Beef and Lamb NZ, and the Waikato River Authority). The primary focus of this project is to help farmers understand how their activities impact on river quality, and ho to improve on this. We have seven test […]
Bespoke digital tool for environmental planning and risk management
Design, build and implement a prototype online recording system for dairy farms to incorporate environmental planning and risk management. Records and risk management related to environmental aspects of dairy farm operations are often addressed as a requirement of compliance and by management, rather than as part of daily operations and by all staff. Farmers are […]
Innovative sediment measures
On a forested development property the efficacy of current sediment capture methods will be determined by measuring the depth of sediment in sediment traps before and after large rain events. Assessment will be made of the water quality entering a waterway that runs through the centre of the property. All data will be GPS’d and […]
Use of real time remote sensors to measure water quality at a farm scale
Sensors that will measure various water quality parameter will be installed in a subcatchment area, where a water way can be attributed to a farm. These sensors will collect data 24/7 in real time, and over time, will provide information to the farmers on their farms contribution to the quality of the receiving waterways. These […]
Farm Environment Plans to Improve Water Quality
A baseline project to link actions by sheep and beef farmers to environmental improvements in the Waipa catchment. This project will use drones to map the farms, and GIS to analyse the maps to help farmers engage, identify and recognize land management units on their farms. We will then work with them to develop Farm […]
Monitoring water quality in the Waikato
We are doing a three year project in the lower Waikato region, mainly a beef and lamb farming area, to monitor the impact of farming practices on water quality. Throughout the project we’ll be working with farmers in the region and also closely with the Waikato Regional Council. This will also be the first time […]