Dana Russell

I am broadly interested in understanding how natural and agricultural ecosystems are responding to climate change. I want to better understand how these systems are adapting to climate change and how to mitigate the effects of climate change through policy and land use changes.

My research examines the potential of increasing land use efficiency through co-location of cropping systems and solar farms, also known as agrivoltaic systems.  Adoption of solar energy over the next few decades is expected to displace a significant amount of farmland in the northeastern United States.  Furthermore, solar panels may be able to provide other benefits to cropping systems such as protect crops from extreme weather conditions which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change.   

Land use for solar energy relative to agriculture is becoming increasingly profitable, however there is very little research on agrivoltaic systems in the northeastern United States.  My research aims to fill this critical gap by helping to inform farmers’ decisions about structure and management of agrivoltaic systems.  I am investigating the viability of growing a variety of vegetable, field, and forage crops within solar arrays.  I am also studying the effects of agrivoltaic systems on weed pressure and aim to develop guidelines for weed management in these novel agricultural systems.  

Publications

• Russell, D. F. & Guiden, P. (2023). Impacts of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Germination and Growth Rates of Native and Non-Native Temperate Tree Species in Central New York.  Hamilton College Burke Library, Clinton, NY.