Influence of agrivoltaic system-induced microclimate modifications on wheat growth and yield
Prakash, V.
Influence of agrivoltaic system-induced microclimate modifications on wheat growth and yield - Amsterdam (Netherlands) : Elsevier, 2025.
Peer review
The challenge of balancing the need for renewable energy to address climate change and the demand for land to boost food production often appears to be in conflict. Agrivoltaic systems (AVS) present a promising solution by integrating agricultural crop production with electricity generation on the same land. Nevertheless, reduced light availability beneath AVS poses a significant challenge, potentially limiting crop growth and yield. This study investigates the impact of photovoltaic panels (PVPs) on microclimate and wheat production under varying shading conditions during the rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. We analyzed shading patterns, air temperature, soil temperature, air humidity, and solar radiation (Photosynthetically active radiation) effects in plots under full shade (FSh), partial shade (PSh), and full sun (FSu) conditions to evaluate their impact on microclimate modifications and subsequent effects on wheat growth and yield. The wheat variety GW 496 was cultivated under the AVS with line sowing and drip irrigation techniques. PVPs create dynamic shading patterns influenced by their dimensions, tilt, and spacing. Shading intensity varies throughout the day and season, and significantly impacts daytime air temperature, with temperatures under PVPs averaging 1.2 degrees C lower than in full sun, and relative humidity varying with shading intensity. The FSu plot experienced the highest temperatures and PAR levels, while the FSh plot had the lowest due to continuous shading. Soil temperatures were also lower under PVPs, particularly in the FSh plot. Plant height was greater under partial shade (PSh) compared to full shade (FSh), while ear head length, test weight, and harvest index decreased with increased shading intensity. Biological and grain yields of wheat decreased with shading intensity, with a 62.8 % reduction in grain yield and a 54.8 % reduction in biological yield under full shade (FSh) compared to full sun (FSu). The findings underscore that while some shading can mitigate heat stress and conserve soil moisture, excessive shading substantially reduces crop yields. This research highlights the importance of balancing shading to optimize wheat production in AVS.
Text in English
0168-1923 1873-2240 (Online)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110775
Agrivoltaic systems
Photovoltaic cells
Microclimate
Shading
Wheat
Influence of agrivoltaic system-induced microclimate modifications on wheat growth and yield - Amsterdam (Netherlands) : Elsevier, 2025.
Peer review
The challenge of balancing the need for renewable energy to address climate change and the demand for land to boost food production often appears to be in conflict. Agrivoltaic systems (AVS) present a promising solution by integrating agricultural crop production with electricity generation on the same land. Nevertheless, reduced light availability beneath AVS poses a significant challenge, potentially limiting crop growth and yield. This study investigates the impact of photovoltaic panels (PVPs) on microclimate and wheat production under varying shading conditions during the rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. We analyzed shading patterns, air temperature, soil temperature, air humidity, and solar radiation (Photosynthetically active radiation) effects in plots under full shade (FSh), partial shade (PSh), and full sun (FSu) conditions to evaluate their impact on microclimate modifications and subsequent effects on wheat growth and yield. The wheat variety GW 496 was cultivated under the AVS with line sowing and drip irrigation techniques. PVPs create dynamic shading patterns influenced by their dimensions, tilt, and spacing. Shading intensity varies throughout the day and season, and significantly impacts daytime air temperature, with temperatures under PVPs averaging 1.2 degrees C lower than in full sun, and relative humidity varying with shading intensity. The FSu plot experienced the highest temperatures and PAR levels, while the FSh plot had the lowest due to continuous shading. Soil temperatures were also lower under PVPs, particularly in the FSh plot. Plant height was greater under partial shade (PSh) compared to full shade (FSh), while ear head length, test weight, and harvest index decreased with increased shading intensity. Biological and grain yields of wheat decreased with shading intensity, with a 62.8 % reduction in grain yield and a 54.8 % reduction in biological yield under full shade (FSh) compared to full sun (FSu). The findings underscore that while some shading can mitigate heat stress and conserve soil moisture, excessive shading substantially reduces crop yields. This research highlights the importance of balancing shading to optimize wheat production in AVS.
Text in English
0168-1923 1873-2240 (Online)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110775
Agrivoltaic systems
Photovoltaic cells
Microclimate
Shading
Wheat