AquaPin, AquaMobile and Fixeau
Sensors, web-based app, and mobile app for water quality measurement
Description
Salinization in the northern areas of the Netherlands means that agriculture is only possible thanks to the relatively thin freshwater lens in agricultural areas and the supply of freshwater via trenches. Aqua Pin is a device that comprises various sensors that measure the groundwater level, electrical conductivity and soil moisture of a plot. Using Aqua Mobile, farmers can easily measure the salt content in the ditch and drain, and the measurements are then saved on a web app using the Fixeau Mobile App. The app provides details of the current situation and offers predictions with regard to the quality of surface, drainage and groundwater.
Technology
The applied technologies rely on IoT sensors that measure groundwater levels, soil moisture and salinity in ditches, drains and groundwaters. Measurements are made using Aqua Pin and Aqua Mobile, and the garnered data are entered directly into a web app. Aqua Mobile makes it easy to measure the salt content in a ditch and drain via an electrical conductivity sensor (EC sensor) that can be connected to the device. Measurement data are saved and sent via the Fixeau Mobile App, and can be accessed immediately from a mobile device or any other online app, providing real-time information on water quality. With the addition of a strip test or nitrate sensor, the nutrient levels in the water can also be recorded using the same app.
Target
The three components (AquaPin, AquaMobile and Fixeau Mobile App app) are available to the participants (farmers and water board representatives) of the “Boeren Meten Water” (farmers measure water) project.
Business model
The Boeren Meten Water project has been financed by various institutions, such as the European Union and the Provincie Groningen.
Impact
The solutions presented within the scope of the “Boeren Meten Water” project provide participants with insights into the problem of salinization, as well as reliable measurements that can be used to guide decision-making. Farmers can thus make more informed decisions about when and how much water to apply to their crops, resulting in improved crop yields and reduced water consumption.
Partners
Three water authorities (Wetterskip Fryslan, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest and Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier), farmers’ representative organization LTO Noord, Van Hall Larenstein and Acacia Water; the technology provider of Aqua Pin and the Aqua Mobile
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
