Andy Wyenandt

Harvesting of specialty crops at RAREC continues

By Andy Wyenandt • September 9, 2024

As we swing into the fall in southern New Jersey, the harvesting of our specialty crops (fresh-market tomato, bell pepper, and eggplant) continues at RAREC. Harvest began on 2 August with our eggplant, 8 August with the bell pepper, and on 22 August with the fresh-market tomato. A late transplanting date of 10 June, followed by an extended period of extremely long, hot, dry weather (90 and above) in July led to the blasting of flowers pushing back our harvest season. To date, we have completed 7 eggplant, 3 tomato, and 3 bell pepper harvests and plan to continuing harvesting as late in the fall so we can to collect as much yield data as possible.

On 19 September, RAREC will be hosting it’s annual fall twilight meeting from 4 pm until dark. The public is welcome! For more information on the RAREC twilight meeting please click here.

Figure 1. Specialty crops growing into the conventional block (without panels) at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, NJ.

Figure 2. Specialty crops growing in the single-axis tracking single-panel block at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, NJ.

Figure 3. Specialty crops growing in the single-axis tracking double-panel block at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, NJ. Note the long shadow cast by the double-panel arrays across the block in the early morning as the panels face due east.

Figure 4. A view of the entire specialty crop research block at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) near Bridgeton, NJ.

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

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Soybean production under Agrivoltaic panels at RAREC in southern New Jersey

By Andy Wyenandt • 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.

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

By Andy Wyenandt • 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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