The importance of managing farmland beneath solar panels to maximize agricultural potential and combat land degradation is emphasized in the article. Solar developers are encouraged to treat the land as a working agricultural system, seeking advice from agronomists and incorporating multi-use vegetation for pollinators and livestock grazing. By effectively managing the land, benefits such as healthier soil, improved water movement, and additional income opportunities for farmers can be achieved. The integration of agricultural management into solar projects not only supports clean energy production but also helps protect farmland, gain support from rural communities, and create farming opportunities while improving soil health, biodiversity, and pollinator populations for future generations. Increased support for solar projects can help them get permitted faster and operate with less opposition, with solar lease payments benefiting agriculture and helping operations stay viable, especially for beginning farmers.
https://civileats.com/2026/09/16/op-ed-to-counter-farmland-loss-solar-needs-soil-science/