IoT-based monitoring workflow for continuous analysis of apple ripening delay and maturation patterns under agrivoltaics

Summary

This field study developed an IoT-based monitoring workflow combining RGB image acquisition and automatic apple detection to assess ripening dynamics in a temperate orchard near Lake Constance under overhead agrivoltaic systems (40% light transparency, 70% ground coverage). Apples under agrivoltaic conditions exhibited delayed visible red-colour maturation (10–12 days later than controls) and reduced fruit size (16% lower volume and weight), consistent with reduced light availability, although physiological maturity indicators were not directly measured.

Regional applicability

The findings are directly relevant to UK temperate fruit production, particularly in regions considering agrivoltaic integration. The study's semi-transparent solar panel design (40% light transparency) and temperate climate conditions are broadly transferable to UK apple orchards; however, UK latitudes and growing season length may differ, requiring local validation of timing impacts.

Key measures

Fruit diameter, length, volume, weight; BBCH phenology stages; image-derived colour-maturity thresholds; days to colour-maturity milestone; RGB image-based ripening quantification

Outcomes reported

The study measured fruit morphology (diameter, length, volume, weight) and ripening maturation patterns in apples grown under agrivoltaic systems versus conventional conditions using IoT-based image analysis. Results showed delayed visible red-colour development (10–12 days later) and significantly smaller fruit (16% lower volume and weight) under agrivoltaic conditions.

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