Agrivoltaics Combined with Integrated Water-Fertilizer Management Promotes Soybean Yield in a Semi-Arid Sandy Region

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Renewable Energy
• Soil Science

Background:

• Horqin Sandy Land faces desertification, drought, and low soil fertility, hindering soybean production.
• Agrivoltaics (combining agriculture with photovoltaics) is a potential solution, but its impact with water-fertilizer management needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of agrivoltaics combined with integrated water-fertilizer management on soybean yield and soil conditions in a semi-arid sandy region.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year field experiment compared three treatments: open-field control, shaded area under panels, and light-exposed area between panels.
• Evaluated soybean yield, photosynthesis, root development, plant morphology, soil water content, transpiration rate, and leaf water use efficiency.

Main Results:

• Soybean yield increased by 60.7% (Gap) and 38.2% (Under) compared to the open-field control.
• Agrivoltaics improved soil water content (81.6-119.0%) and nutrient conditions.
• The Gap treatment showed enhanced photosynthesis and root growth, while the Under treatment exhibited increased plant height and leaf area, with reduced water stress.

Conclusions:

• Agrivoltaics integrated with water-fertilizer management is a viable model for improving soybean production in semi-arid sandy areas.
• This approach offers significant economic benefits through increased net income and ecological advantages via soil improvement.