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The French SunAgri released the agronomic results of a harvest of aubergines grown in a greenhouse installed in Lot-et-Garonne in September 2020.
The French company specialized in agrovoltaics SunAgri has published a new report, in this case on an aubergine crop in the Brinkhoff greenhouse in Granges-sur-Lot, in the Lot-et-Garonne region.
Commissioned in September 2020, the 2,500 m² facility responds to the operators 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 commissioning, the first results showed 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, the aubergines 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 agrivoltaics for horticulture and greenhouse crops,” said Cécile Magherini, director of SunAgri. "Beyond being an adaptation and resilience tool for the farmer in the face of climate challenges, the intelligent management of our technology makes it possible to optimize agricultural production."
The group has equipped crops with three types of sensors for detailed analysis of their condition and consideration of weather factors. Micrometeorological sensors placed at different heights of the plant measure air temperature, humidity, wind and radiation.
In addition, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR ) sensors measure active radiation for photosynthesis, which makes it possible to estimate plant growth and needs using models. The "plant sensors" allow observing the behavior of the plant (hydric state, functioning, stress, temperature of the organs) and optimize its well-being in real time.
“We grow various vegetables under these racks without having to bleach the greenhouses in summer. With two years of perspective, there is less pressure from pests like aphids. The next harvests will allow us to confirm and complete the first encouraging results of this tool”, declared Youp Brinkhoff, farm manager.
Since the greenhouse was launched, nine fruits and vegetables have been grown: tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers, celery, fennel, spinach, lambs lettuce and green beans. |
