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The Jefferson Exchange

Farming With Solar Panels (By Accident)

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Oregon State University

It wasn't that long ago that we explored the concept of dual-use farming with solar panels.  The idea is that the panels co-exist with crops, and it works in many places. 

Oregon State University agriculture researchers were not trying to create a dual-use farm, but they discovered that an installation of solar panels provided shade in which certain grasses grew on dry farmland without irrigation. 

Even better, the grasses that grew were the kind that livestock like to eat.  OSU's Chad Higgins is one of the authors of the research, and our guest.   
 

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Geoffrey Riley is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has hosted the Jefferson Exchange on JPR since 2009. He's been a broadcaster in the Rogue Valley for more than 35 years, working in both television and radio.