Clever sensors win prestigious innovation award for water use

The team behind novel yet simple technology that reads plant moisture status directly from the stem of permanent crops like grapevines, kiwifruit and apple trees has beaten an impressive line up of finalists to win the 2024 Innovation in Irrigation Award.

Croptide was up against Nanobubble Agritech, Bactosure, and Rangitata South Irrigation Scheme (RSIL) and Meteorology Solutions for the biennial award, which recognises pioneers of irrigation technology.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Innovation in Irrigation Award and to stand alongside other forward-thinking leaders in this industry,” says Elisha Milmine, chief of staff at Croptide.

“It reaffirms our commitment to advancing sustainable irrigation solutions that benefit not only our growers but also our communities and environment.”

Croptide has been dubbed the smart watch for plants. Sensors collect continuous electrical data from plant tissues, including membranes and sap.

This is analysed using the company’s proprietary algorithms to provide precise insights into plant water status.

The information is then transmitted to the cloud and displayed in real-time via an app, allowing growers to monitor crop water needs with exceptional accuracy.

The device’s simplicity and ease of installation make it scalable for widespread use in orchards and vineyards, and it

is currently deployed across over 100 pilot sites in NZ, including with leading companies like Zespri and Villa Maria.

“Croptide’s unique approach to irrigation technology has set new standards in the agricultural sector, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of water conservation,” award organiser Irrigation NZ says.

“By leveraging advanced data analytics and precision technology, Croptide empowers growers to make informed irrigation decisions, ultimately optimising water use and promoting sustainable farming practices.”

All finalists had demonstrated ‘outstanding’ contributions to the field.

Fellow finalist Rangitata South Irrigation Scheme (RSIL), in collaboration with Meteorology Solutions, made the cut for an innovative AI powered river flow prediction system which is expected to become a vital operational asset for the farmer-owned irrigation scheme in South Canterbury.

It could also potentially be adopted by other irrigation schemes to manage water restrictions and prepare for future rainfall events.

Bactosure has developed a portable, battery-powered device that automates laboratory grade water quality testing, providing rural communities with an efficient, reliable solution for detecting and counting harmful bacteria in irrigation water, such as E. coli and total coliforms.

This system eliminates the need for lengthy and costly sample transportation, ensuring faster results, and reducing contamination risk.

Nanobubble Agritech has demonstrated significant improvements in irrigation efficiency and pasture growth with technology that injects high concentrations of oxygen into irrigation water, for better soil aeration and plant uptake of water and nutrients.

Implemented on five commercial farms across NZ – including Henderson Farms, where it covers 92 hectares under a pivot irrigator – the technology has reduced water use by 15 per cent and increased pasture production by 25–30 per cent compared to control areas.

The innovation award is sponsored by Vantage, and was last presented to Brendon Hamilton, founder of H20rtigator, in 2022.