Effects of Environmental Changes by an Agrivoltaic System on Growth and Quality Characteristics of Kimchi Cabbage

Abstract

Background and objective: For a successful application of agrivoltaic (AV) system, decrease in crop productivity must be minimized while achieving power generation. In this study, changes in microenvironments, crop growth and quality under the AV panels were investigated for kimchi cabbage.Methods: On September 1, 2021, kimchi cabbage (<i>Brassica rapa</i> ssp. <i>pekinensis</i>) 'Bulam No. 3' was planted in the soil under the AV panels and in an open field for the control, and grown using a conventional method. Growth characteristics and internal components after 16 weeks were analyzed.Results: There was no difference in air temperature and relative humidity, however daily light integral (DLI) and soil temperature under the AV panels were lower than the control. Under the AV panels, plant width was lesser and plant height and head height were greater than the control. Head shape index and leaf number of the AV panel plot were greater than in the control. Trimming loss rate was lower but chlorophyll content was higher in the AV panel plot. Head hardness was lower in the AV panel plot, while head fresh weight was greater but head dry weight was smaller in the AV panel plot: therefore, moisture content was greater than the control. Marketable crop yield and heading rate was higher in the AV panel plot.Conclusion: The environmental changes caused by AV panels including the DLI and soil temperature induced a larger fresh weight, higher heading and trimming loss rates because a relatively good environment was created in the early crop stage which was the period of high temperature and DLI. However, the lower DLI of the latter period had a rather negative effect, resulting in an elongated shape, smaller dry weight, and shorter shelf life.