Farmers across Mid Canterbury are taking water quality into their own hands, using real-time nitrate sensors to better understand and protect local waterways.

Since 2022, the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective, made up of 10 volunteer groups and funders, have been testing water regularly, some weekly, using portable and installed nitrate meters that deliver instant results.

The sensor technology, developed by Lincoln Agritech with spin-out company HydroMetrics, replaces traditional monthly grab samples with continuous, in situ monitoring, giving farmers a clearer picture of what’s happening in their streams, drains, and springs.

Traditionally, nitrate levels were measured through monthly grab samples at a lab, which only gave a very limited snapshot says Lincoln Agritech Group Manager of Green Futures, Dr Dave Rankin.

“You’d typically get one data point a month, which isn’t enough to understand what’s really going on. We developed an optical technique that delivers real-time, continuous nitrate readings directly in the water so farmers can respond to changes as they happen.”

The sensors have helped farmers establish nitrate baselines, monitor seasonal changes, and assess the impact of mitigations such as  riparian planting and wetland development.

Lincoln Agritech’s contribution reflects its broader focus on turning complex water and land challenges into practical tools for communities and industries. The organisation continues to work alongside farmers, facilitators, and technical partners to ensure the data collected is reliable and useful.