Entries by A. J. Puckett

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Agrivoltaics Provide Mutual Benefits Across the Food-Energy-Water Nexus in Drylands

This study investigates a hybrid of co-located agriculture and solar photovoltaic (PV) infrastructure by monitoring micro-climatic conditions, PV panel temperature, soil moisture and irrigation water use, plant eco-physiological function and plant biomass production within a agrivoltaic ecosystem and in traditional PV installations and agricultural settings to quantify trade-offs. Authors find that shading by the PV panels provides multiple additive and synergistic benefits, including reduced plant drought stress, greater food production and reduced PV panel heat stress. 

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Pasture Production and Lamb Growth in Agrivoltaic System

This study was conducted to compare lamb growth and pasture production under solar panels and in open pastures in Corvallis, Oregon, in spring 2019 and 2020. The study included a core group of thirty-six weaned Polypay lambs on various parts of land used in an agrivoltaic operation. Both livestock farmers and energy companies require information for the application of efficient livestock management practices under solar panels, and this study aims to provide that information for future, potential agrisolar operations.

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Paddock Design, Fencing and Water Systems for Controlled Grazing

This publication covers some of the basics of paddock design and current fencing and water technology. Grazing systems, often incorporated into agrivoltaic operations, are economically feasible and now more easily managed due to developments in fencing and water technologies, as this study addresses. The study also discusses forage availability in relation to the application in agrisolar systems.

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Nutrient Cycling in Pastures

This study attempts to provide a clear, holistic understanding of how nutrients cycle through pastures and what the producer can do to enhance the processes to create productive, regenerative, and resilient farm and ranch systems. Details of the study include photosynthetic and microbial bridges, soil food web(s), macro-organisms such as dung beetles and earthworms, abiotic soil properties and soil Ph, among others. All of these topics are relevant to concerns and discusses in the agrisolar communities and their operations.

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Solar-Powered Livestock-Watering Systems

This publication gives an introduction to solar-powered livestock-watering systems, including discussions of cost, components, and terminology, as well as some suggestions for designing and installing these systems. The paper covers strengths and weaknesses of solar-pumping options in remote locations using mechanical windmills, wind turbines, propane and other methods. This publication may prove useful when considering the use of cattle or other livestock along with solar-powered water pumps at remote watering sites, known as a type of agrisolar operation.