Photovoltaic panels have altered grassland plant biodiversity and soil microbial diversity

Abstract

IntroductionHuman concerns about fossil fuel depletion, energy security and environmental degradation have driven the rapid development of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation. Most of the photovoltaic power generation plants are concentrated in desert, grassland and arable land, which means the change of land use type. However, there is still a gap in the research of the PV panel layout on grassland plant species diversity and ecological function.MethodsIn this study, Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate the effects of PV panel arrangement on grassland plant species diversity and soil microbial diversity. In view of the differences in the microclimate at different sites of the PV panels, quadrates were arranged in front edge (FE), beneath the center of each panel (BP), back edge (BE), the uncovered interspace adjacent to each panel (IS) and the undisturbed grassland around the PV panels (Control), respectively.ResultsPV panels (especially FE) significantly increased the total aboveground productivity (total AGB) and plant species diversity in grasslands. FE increased precipitation accumulation and plant species diversity directly and indirectly changed the diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities. PV panels decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, while increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Methylomirabilota. EC, Margalef’ s richness and total AGB were the main factors affecting the composition of bacterial communities, while alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen (AN) and available phosphorus (AP) were the main factors affecting the composition of fungal communities.DiscussionIn conclusion, the arrangement of PV panels increased the plant species diversity and soil microorganisms in grassland. This study provides important information for further understanding the impact of PV panels on grassland ecosystem function and is of great significance for maintaining grassland ecosystem function.

Soil bacterial community in a photovoltaic system adopted different survival strategies to cope with small-scale light stress under different vegetation restoration modes

“…The correlation between the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and light intensity was significant in the EP sample plot. Shading by PV panels resulted in a reduction of its relative abundance, which contradicts the findings of another PV site ( Bai et al, 2022 ). This difference may be attributed to variations in environmental factors and vegetation types in PV sites.…”

“…Light has both direct and indirect effects on the abundance and structure of soil microbial communities. Shading of PV panels at PV sites affects the amount of irradiation and energy received by the soil at different locations, which in turn affects the structure of soil microbial communities ( Bai et al, 2022 ). PV shading increased soil microbial biomass by 20–30%.…”

Ecovoltaics - A Truly Ecological and Green Source of Renewable Goods

“…For example, the positive effect of reducing the intensity of heat stress in cows [24] or increasing the productivity of lettuce shaded by PV panels [25]. A similar effect was also observed for increased biodiversity at a PV site [26] or the effect of PV panel placement on increasing species diversity of soil microorganisms in grasslands [27]. However, the above examples of research only point to the side and often unintended effects resulting from the installation of PV facilities in the surrounding ecosystem.…”

Response of Vegetation and Soil Property Changes by Photovoltaic Established Stations Based on a Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

“…Compared with other substantial construction projects, the establishment of utility-scale PV projects necessitates adept management to address various potential environmental impacts. Bai, et al [4] delved into the impact of photovoltaic panel installation on grassland ecosystem functions. They emphasized that photovoltaic panels may induce complex and profound changes in soil microbial communities through their effects on abiotic factors.…”