Análise do crescimento da cultura da cana-de-açúcar em sistema agrofotovoltaico em Alagoas

Abstract

The objective of this work is to analyze sugarcane growth, radiation and water balances, and to compare microclimatic conditions between the modified system and the conventional system, with emphasis on radiation and soil moisture variables. To this end, biometric measurements were taken monthly throughout the crop development cycle, comparing the agroforestry system (AFS) environment with a conventional reference system (CRS). The experiment was conducted in the commercial cultivation area of the Santa Clotilde Sugar Mill, located in the municipality of Rio Largo, Alagoas. Global Solar Radiation (Rg) and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) values for both environments were estimated based on data from sensors installed in the cultivation field and at the Agrometeorological Station of the Campus of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (CECA) of the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL). The agrophotovoltaic system (AFS) presented a maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI) of 2.62 m2 m−2 and an average plant height of 3.14 m, superior to the conventional system (CFS). Light interception varied between 6.58 and 14.22 in the AFS and 28.68 in the CFS. In the AFS, incident radiation is variable in time and space due to the dynamic shading of the photovoltaic panels. Radiation variables (Rg, PAR, and intercepted PAR) showed significant differences between the systems, evidencing a direct influence of the AFS on radiant energy absorption and microclimate. The AFS presented lower leaf temperatures and greater stability in soil moisture, even under similar precipitation (P) and reference evapotranspiration (ET0) patterns, indicating better water conservation and a more favorable environment for sugarcane development.