Libelium-Vodafone-Adroit NB-IoT Smart Water kit

Nitrate leaching is a naturally occurring process, which happens when nitrate leaves the soil in drainage water. Nitrate is soluble and mobile. It is no problem when it is within the root-zone, but once it gets into the groundwater and other freshwater bodies it is an environmental pollutant.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. It occurs naturally, but in agricultural systems, more nitrogen is commonly added to soils as fertilizer or as urine or dung from livestock. Not all the additional nitrogen can be used by plants and microorganisms, so some nitrate-nitrogen may leach (drain) from the soil. Livestock urine is the dominant source of nitrate-nitrogen leached from soil. Leached nitrate-nitrogen can enter groundwater and waterways, potentially causing ecological harm. The amount of nitrate-nitrogen leaching from the soil varies around the country as a result of different land uses, climates, and soils.

Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand set a Maximum Acceptable Level (MAV) of 50mg/L for nitrate, which is equivalent to 11.3mg/l nitrate-nitrogen. Some laboratories report nitrate levels whereas others report nitrate-nitrogen levels, be aware which they are reporting if you are getting your water tested.

•     Groundwater deployment to measure nitrate-nitrogen concentrations.
•     Deployment in low ionic strength groundwater means organic carbon or chloride interferences are minimal.
•     Designed to allow installation in 50 mm wells. These are often able to be installed by low-cost direct push technologies, reducing the overall installation cost.
•     Remote data-logging capability for real-time data with Libelium Plug & Sensor, More sensors can be added if required to measure other water quality issues, such as PH, ORP, DO, etc.
•     A fit for purpose Nitrate Sensor at a low price point that enables feasible deployment across multiple sites at the catchment or farm scale.
•     Periodic cleaning rather than calibration required, reducing ongoing maintenance.
•     Continuous monitoring as opposed to laboratory analysis is rapidly growing within the agricultural community due to increased data frequency.