A study by Germany's University of Hohenheim and the Jülich Research Centre found that crops like barley, beans, potatoes, cabbage, and maize can effectively adapt their photosynthesis to altered light conditions caused by photovoltaic modules. The study also showed that agroforestry systems, where trees or shrubs grow alongside crops, can decrease plants' light requirements significantly under partial shade, allowing them to use CO2 more efficiently for photosynthesis. This adaptability could be used to identify and breed crop varieties suitable for agrivoltaic systems. Agrivoltaics can help mitigate heat and drought stress by improving the microclimate, lowering soil temperatures, and helping soil retain moisture for longer periods, making them important for agriculture to adapt to climate change. Yield data varied by location and crop type, with no consistent pattern, but the research provides insights into how crops respond to natural shading, offering fundamental knowledge for sustainable farming solutions.
Study finds arable crops adapt surprisingly well to agrivoltaic shading
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