Shading effects in agrivoltaic systems can make the difference in boosting food security in climate change

Semeraro, Teodoro; Scarano, Aurelia; Curci, Lorenzo Maria; Leggieri, Angelo; Lenucci, Marcello; Basset, Alberto; Santino, Angelo; Piro, Gabriella; De Caroli, Monica

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.122565

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 66 publications

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“…In this study, the PV panel plot ensured only 3% of the sunlight intensity compared to full sunlight at zenith. Enhancing sunlight intensity to a minimum of 6% could potentially improve production quantity, as suggested by our previous study [20]. Therefore, future experiments should explore tomato production under conditions where PV panels are placed at different heights, providing valuable insights for optimizing agrivoltaic systems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

“…These systems integrate renewable energy production and crop cultivation within the same space, using photovoltaic (PV) panels either elevated above the ground or integrated into shade-like structures [16][17][18][19]. The agrivoltaic system can be defined as a hybrid-based solution (H-bS) combining human infrastructure into the agroecosystem with positive impacts on ecosystem services [20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Positioning PV panels above specific crops provides benefits such as reduced leaf evapotranspiration, enhanced water use efficiency, and temperature regulation. Additionally, their shade helps maintain soil moisture balance, promoting optimal conditions for plant growth [16,[20][21][22][23]. However, the extent of these advantages and the adaptability of crops to thrive and be productive beneath the PV panels vary among species.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…SAS signifies the vegetation's proactive response to low light availability, often a prodromal sign of imminent resource-dependent competition, and triggers physiological mechanisms that enhance plant capability to thrive in a competitive environment, including increased stem elongation, reduced branching, and early seed production. The consequences of SAS for crop production can vary depending on environmental conditions, natural resources, and the topography of vegetation [20,27,28]. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing the benefits of agrivoltaic systems in terms of their impact on plant growth and overall agricultural productivity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In terms of food production, SAS could offer advantages for certain crops harvested for leaves, stems, or roots [28]. For example, studies have confirmed that the shade cast by PV panels can increase edible biomass production in chicory and lettuce [20,21,31].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of the Agrivoltaic System on Crop Production: The Case of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Scarano,

Semeraro,

Calisi

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

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Climate change, with rising temperatures, water crises, and an increased frequency of climate disturbances, poses a threat to the ability of agroecosystems to ensure human access to food by affecting both the quantity and quality of crop production. Currently, there is growing knowledge about the fact that agrivoltaic systems may represent a direct strategy to cope with climate change driven by carbon dioxide emissions for energy production, preserving the capacity of agroecosystems to maintain food security. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of environmental conditions generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels for sustaining open-field tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit production under varying water supply regimes. Tomato plants were grown beneath PV panels or in full sunlight. In each scenario, two plots with an equal number of plants were subjected to different irrigation levels: high watering (HW) and low watering (LW). The results showed a lower number of tomato fruit produced grown under the PV panels, with an increased fruit size and water content under a normal water supply. The Brix degrees of the tomato fruits grown under the panel were more comparable to the fruits commercially available on the market than the Brix degree of the fruits grown in open-field sunlight. Thus, our data supported the conclusion that the agrivoltaic system, in the context of climate change with the enduring drought and long-term water scarcity, can be a good adaptation strategy to maintain favorable tomato production compared to the full sunlight conditions. Furthermore, these results can be important for planning breeding programs, since in many cases, the tomato fruits grown in full sunlight were seedless.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Effects of the Agrivoltaic System on Crop Production: The Case of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Scarano,

Semeraro,

Calisi

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

Self Cite

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Agrivoltaics for small ruminants: A review

Vaughan,

Brent

2024

Small Ruminant Research

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Integration of Crops, Livestock, and Solar Panels: A Review of Agrivoltaic Systems

Soto-Gómez

2024

Agronomy

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This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV). The transition towards renewable energy sources, driven by the need to respond to climate change, competition for land use, and the scarcity of fossil fuels, has led to the consideration of new ways to optimise land use while producing clean energy. AV systems not only generate energy but also allow agricultural and livestock yields to be maintained or even increased under PV structures, offering a sustainable production strategy that may be more acceptable to local communities than traditional PV installations. This review assesses the technical feasibility of AV systems, the environmental, economic and social benefits, as well as the challenges faced and the legal framework regulating their implementation. It is highlighted that despite the advantages in land use efficiency and dual food and energy production, there are important challenges related to the initial investment required, the need for technological adaptation, social and regulatory obstacles, or the effects of shading on production. This paper underlines the importance of further research and development of these systems to overcome technical and economic constraints and maximise their potential benefits. It is concluded that although they present significant challenges, AV management offers promising opportunities to improve land efficiency and contribute to several sustainable development goals.

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Shading effects in agrivoltaic systems can make the difference in boosting food security in climate change

Cited by 3 publications

References 66 publications

Effects of the Agrivoltaic System on Crop Production: The Case of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Effects of the Agrivoltaic System on Crop Production: The Case of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Agrivoltaics for small ruminants: A review

Integration of Crops, Livestock, and Solar Panels: A Review of Agrivoltaic Systems

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