August 2024 – Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program

Soybean production under Agrivoltaic panels at RAREC in southern New Jersey

By Andy Wyenandt and Dan Ward • August 23, 2024

In addition to the specialty crops research, members of the RAPS Team are also studying the effects of Agrivoltaic systems on soybean production at RAREC in southern New Jersey. Last fall, on Oct 6, 2023, a rye (variety not stated) cover crop was established at 2 bu./A and terminated this spring on April 29 with Round-up at 1 qt/A. On June 9, pre-plant fertilizer (14-4-14) at 60 lbs/N per acre was broadcasted and soil was worked prior to soybean seeding. On 11 June, soybeans (AG42XF1, ASGROW) were seeded at a rate of 160,000 seed/A in each of two AV blocks each containing a double panel AV system, single panel AV system, and no panels (the same AV layout as the specialty crop study). On June 12, a pre-emergent herbicide application of Lorox at 1.0 lb/A + Dual Magnum at 1.0 pt/A was applied.

Figure 1. Soybean production under a 2 panel AV array (on left), single panel AV array (middle), and no panel (conventional) system (on right) at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Each block consists of a double panel array, single panel array , and no panel system. Each whole plot contains three rows of AV panels spaced 34 ft apart that are 74 ft long (4,736 total sq. ft). The distance (space) between each whole plot are 34 ft which act as a break. The area of each block is 272 ft long by 74 ft wide (20,128 sq ft or 0.462 A) (Figure 2).

Figure 2. An aerial view of the Agrivoltaics system at RAREC near Bridgeton, NJ. The two blocks of AV panels on the left side of the image are currently planted in soybean. The block on the right is currently planted in specialty crops (eggplant, bell pepper, and fresh-market tomato).

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Articles and images can be used by Permission from the Rutgers RAPS Team only – For Permission contact RAPS at shawn.sorrels@rutgers.edu.

American Farmland Trust and Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program inaugural agrivoltaic farmer trainings in New Jersey!

By Christina Couch (AFT) • August 12, 2024

Technical Assistance Program for Agrivoltaics (TAPAS) Pilot Farmer Training

Registration Link: https://go.rutgers.edu/TAPAS_registration

American Farmland Trust and Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program are excited to host our inaugural agrivoltaic farmer trainings in New Jersey! This Technical Assistance Program for Agrivoltaics (TAPAS) will introduce the dual-use of land for both agricultural and solar energy production, and explore the opportunities it may present for greater farm viability in New Jersey.

There are three training events, but due to limited capacity, we are encouraging participants to only register for one training session so we may train as many producers as possible. The in-person events have a capacity of 20 participants. Register today to secure your spot as soon as possible! While these trainings are exclusively held for farmers and ranchers, we will have other opportunities in the future for non-farmer participants to learn from our team of experts.

Training Opportunities

Session 1: Full-day training intended for specialty crop farmers on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 121 Northville Rd, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Session 2: Half-day training intended for livestock producers or those who focus on grazing and forage on Tuesday, August 27 at the Round House next to 65 Sheepfold Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Session 3: A virtual training for all types of producers on Tuesday, September 10 from 5-7:30 pm ET

Harvesting begins with the specialty crops at RAREC in southern New Jersey

By Andy Wyenandt and Dan Ward • August 6, 2024

Harvest began on 2 August at RAREC when the first ‘Palermo’ eggplants were harvested with the help of the Cumberland County Master Gardeners.

Dr. Dan Ward, Director of RAREC and member of the Rutgers Agrivoltaics Program (RAPS) Team speaks with Cumberland County Master Gardeners about the current specialty crops agrivoltaics research being done at the NJAES research station near Bridgeton, New Jersey.

The Cumberland County Master Gardeners have been volunteering at RAREC for many years and have helped harvest many different specialty crops. With their help much of our harvested fruit is donated to local food banks and churches.

Volunteer Master Gardener’s harvesting eggplant at RAREC. Prior to harvesting they are trained on what size fruit to pick as well as look for those fruit who may have disease or insect damage.

Once all fruit are harvested, bins are brought over to the tents where they can be sorted, graded, and weighed.

Dr. Wesley Kline, Cumberland County Agricultural Agent, Dr. Dan Ward, and Dr. Rebeca Mata Barboza, RAPS team, leading the efforts in sorting, grading, and weighing harvested eggplant.

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