The French Sun’AGRI announced the agronomic results of a harvest of eggplants grown in a greenhouse installed in Lot-et-Garonne in September 2020.
The French company specialized in agrovoltaics Sun’AGRI has published a new report, in this case about an eggplant crop in the Brinkhoff greenhouse in Granges-sur-Lot, in the Lot-et-Garonne region.
Commissioned in September 2020, the 2500 m2 facility responds to the operator’s needs to adapt production to increasing climatic risks. The increase in the average temperature in greenhouses (30º C in spring and 40º C in summer) causes burns on the flowers and accelerates the development of new pests.
One year after the commissioning, the first results showed a higher performance under the panels compared to a reference area without modules. More than 800 kg of vegetables were harvested under the device, compared to about 500 kg in the reference area. In addition, eggplants harvested under panels have a higher biomass, synonymous with a better development of the plant.
“We are pleased that these results from the Brinkhoff greenhouse confirm on the ground the benefits of dynamic agrivoltaic for horticulture and greenhouse crops”” said Cécile Magherini, Director of Sun’AGRI. “Beyond being a tool for adaptation and resilience to climate challenges for farmers, the intelligent management of our technology allows us to optimize agricultural production.”
The group has equipped the crops with three types of sensors for a detailed analysis of their condition and consideration of meteorological factors. Micrometeorological sensors placed at different heights of the plant measure air temperature, humidity, wind and radiation.
In addition, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensors measure the active radiation for photosynthesis, which makes it possible to estimate the growth of the plant and its needs using the models. The “plant sensors” allow to observe the behavior of the plant (water status, functioning, stress, temperature of the organs) and optimize its well-being in real time.
“We grow various vegetables under these grates without the need to whiten the greenhouses in summer. With two years of perspective, there is less pressure from pests such as aphids. The upcoming harvests will allow us to confirm and complete the first encouraging results of this tool”” said Youp Brinkhoff, farm manager.
Since the greenhouse was launched, nine fruits and vegetables have been grown: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, celery, fennel, spinach, canons and green beans.
A source: https://www.pv-magazine-latam.com
