Effects of Different Operation Years of Photovoltaic Power Stations on Vegetation and Soil Characteristics in Temperate Deserts

Yaoxin Yu, Tao Chen, Shijun Ma, Ya Tian, Qing Li, Zhaoshan Cai, Lijun Zhao, Xiaoni Liu (), Jianhua Xiao and Yafei Shi
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Yaoxin Yu: Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou 730070, China
Tao Chen: Huadian Gansu Energy Corporation Limited, Lanzhou 730000, China
Shijun Ma: Powerchina Beijing Engineering Corporation Limited, Beijing 100024, China
Ya Tian: Huadian Gansu Energy Corporation Limited, Lanzhou 730000, China
Qing Li: Powerchina Beijing Engineering Corporation Limited, Beijing 100024, China
Zhaoshan Cai: Huadian Gansu Energy Corporation Limited, Lanzhou 730000, China
Lijun Zhao: Powerchina Beijing Engineering Corporation Limited, Beijing 100024, China
Xiaoni Liu: Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou 730070, China
Jianhua Xiao: State Key Laboratory of Arid Region Ecological Security and Sustainable Development, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yafei Shi: Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou 730070, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-21

Abstract: The rapid expansion of photovoltaic installations in arid and semi-arid regions has altered regional water–heat regimes, triggering complex responses in vegetation recovery and soil processes. However, systematic assessments of ecological restoration under varying operational durations and microenvironmental interactions remain insufficient. Therefore, this study examines photovoltaic power stations operating for 1, 7, and 13 years within China’s temperate desert regions, alongside undeveloped control areas, to compare differences across four microenvironments: the front eave of photovoltaic panels (FP), underneath photovoltaic panels (UP), back eave of photovoltaic panels (BP), and interval between photovoltaic panels (IP). Combining analysis of variance, correlation analysis, variance partitioning analysis (VPA), and generalised additive models (GAMs), the study evaluates the coupling mechanisms between vegetation and soil. The results indicate that operational duration significantly enhances vegetation cover, biomass, and species diversity, with the 13 year operational zone demonstrating optimal restoration outcomes. Microenvironmental variations were pronounced, with vegetation and soil quality in the front eave zone surpassing other areas, while the inter-panel zone exhibited the weakest recovery. Key soil factors shifted with recovery stages: early-stage vegetation showed heightened sensitivity to soil water content (SWC), whereas later stages relied more heavily on soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient supply. Variation Partial Analysis (VPA) revealed that soil factors in the 13 year operational zone accounted for 71.9% of the variation in vegetation cover. The operational lifespan of photovoltaic power stations, microenvironmental variations, and key soil factors collectively drive the restoration of thermophilic desert vegetation. This research reveals phased regulatory mechanisms during the restoration process, providing scientific grounds for optimising photovoltaic layouts and enhancing desert ecosystem stability.

Keywords: photovoltaic power station; temperate deserts; operating years; microenvironment; soil physical and chemical properties; species diversity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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