Pilot Results show Reduction of Nitrogen in Effluent Pond

HydroBoost unit installed in Feb 2022 is showing promising results.

A farmer with a 1,500m2 effluent pond in North Canterbury, was routinely challenged with blocked nozzles in his fertigation – injected and underslung effluent delivery. As well, he was concerned with looming regulation around N leaching / N caps and GHG emissions.

A suggested solution was to use the HydroBoost technology floating on a raft and moored in the pond near the extraction intake. The HydroBoost unit was first installed mid Feb 2022, with a control effluent sample sent to Hill Laboratories for analysis. Over the autumn / winter period, 4 samples were collected that showed a reduction in NPK, Ca and Mg.

With the 2022 Spring milking period starting, the conditions reflected new grass growth and different feed types. A modified testing process was developed. The objective was to compare the effluent inflow with the HydroBoosted effluent in the pond to find out what difference the technology made.

The initial results show that the HydroBoost technology is having a positive effect on the effluent.  The tables on the right hand side displays the testing results with an average 26% reduction in N. An environmental benefit to the farmer, (excluding reduced blockages), is the dispersal of effluent onto paddocks. Potentially the same volume of effluent can be dispersed, but with a 26% reduction in N or a 26% increase in effluent volume for the same amount of N.

The Pilot Results clearly demonstrate that the HydroBoost unit is having an effect with testing still being undertaken.

As well, potentially, there may be a reduction in Methane Gas emitted, but further study is required.