French specialist Solar’Agri unveiled the agronomic outcomes on a crop of eggplant grown in a greenhouse commissioned within the Lot-et-Garonne in September, 2020.
From pv magazine France
After having printed the agronomic outcomes on viticulture and arboriculture, French agrivoltaic specialist Solar’Agri has now unveiled a report on a crop of eggplants grown within the Brinkhoff agrivoltaic greenhouse in Granges-sur-Lot, within the area of Lot-et-Garonne.
Commissioned in September 2020, the 2500 m² facility meets the wants of the operator to adapt manufacturing to ever larger climatic hazards. The rise within the common temperature in greenhouses (30 C in spring and 40C in summer time) causes burns on flowers and acceleration of the event of recent pests.
One 12 months after commissioning, the primary outcomes confirmed larger yields underneath the panels in comparison with a reference space with out modules. Greater than 800 kg of greens have been harvested underneath the system in comparison with round 500 kg for the reference space. Moreover, eggplants harvested underneath panels have a better biomass, synonymous with higher improvement of the plant.
“We’re happy that this suggestions from the Brinkhoff greenhouse confirms within the subject the advantages of dynamic agrivoltaics for market gardening and greenhouse crops,” mentioned Cécile Magherini, director of Solar’Agri. “Past being a device for adaptation and resilience within the face of local weather challenges for the farmer, clever administration of our expertise makes it attainable to optimize agricultural manufacturing.”
The group has outfitted the crops with three sorts of sensors for an in depth evaluation of their situation and the consideration of meteorological components. Micro-meteorological sensors positioned at completely different heights of the plant measure air temperature, humidity, wind, and radiation.
Furthermore, Photosynthetically Energetic Radiation (PAR ) sensors measure the energetic radiation for photosynthesis, making it attainable to estimate the expansion of the plant and its wants utilizing the fashions. “Plant sensors” make it attainable to look at the habits of the plant (water standing, functioning, stress, organ temperature) and to optimize its well-being in actual time.
“We develop numerous greens underneath these louvers without having to bleach the greenhouses in the summertime. With two years of hindsight, there’s much less strain from pests akin to aphids. The upcoming harvests will permit us to verify and full the primary encouraging outcomes of this device,” said Youp Brinkhoff, supervisor of the farm.
For the reason that greenhouse was commissioned, 9 fruit and veggies have been grown: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, celery, fennel, spinach, lamb’s lettuce and inexperienced beans.
