Groundtruth has produced a guide to constructing a bioreactor on a farm in conjunction with Sustainable Wairarapa Incorporated. Dairy NZ and Pamu supported a Sustainable Farming Fund project which assessed the cost-benefit of various on-farm activities for removing contaminants from waterways and improving biodiversity.
The bioreactors are designed for the end of an existing pipe (Novaflow) drain. There it can intercept drainage water and remove nitrate before the drainage water enters a waterway. Monitoring over a season showed that 50% of nitrogen can be removed in a very cost-effective manner from farm drainage water. If you are interested to learn more download the guide to getting started on this exciting and effective technique to help waterways in your area.
