In Central Finland, hilly terrain and abundance of waterways cause challenges in controlling nutrient loads from fields to surface waters. This study applied new technologies to study nutrient loads and advanced water protection. Continuous automatic in situ monitoring of water quality produced accurate and real time information about nutrient loads. The loads varied according to weather conditions and topography, and are shifting from spring to year end. Injection of slurry prevented nutrient leaching. The manure balances implied that the amount of manure is not adequate for fertilizing all fields in the region. Local farmers’ attitudes to water protection were positive.