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

Horqin Sandy Land suffers from desertification, drought, and low fertility, limiting soybean production. Agrivoltaics provides a promising integrated model; however, the effects of agrivoltaics combined with water-fertilizer management on crop productivity remain unclear. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in a semi-arid area with three treatments, open-field control (Open), shaded area under panels (Under), and light-exposed area inter-panels (Gap). Results showed that photovoltaic systems combined with integrated water-fertilizer management improved soybean yield, soil water, and nutrient conditions. Soybean grain yield was 60.7% and 38.2% higher in the Gap and Under treatments, respectively, than in the Open. The highest yield in the Gap treatment resulted from both enhanced photosynthesis and improved root development. The Under endured light stress but exhibited morphological plasticity (plant height and leaf area increased by 43.1%, 48.2%), and shading alleviated water stress since soil water content was increased by 81.6-119.0% during growing seasons, transpiration rate (Tr) decreased by 55.1%, and leaf water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 48.8%. The Open suffered from soil degradation and water and fertilizer loss, resulting in severely limited yield. Agrivoltaics increased net income by 1466 CNY·ha^-1 and improved soil nutrients, demonstrating economic and ecological benefits. Thus, it is a suitable technical model for semi-arid sandy regions.