Summary
This empirical study sampled 32 ground-mounted solar farms across England and Wales to assess impacts on soil and plant properties relative to control pasture. Ground-mounted solar panels significantly reduced plant cover and biomass, increased soil compaction by 14–16%, and altered soil nutrient cycling (reducing organic carbon and particulate organic matter but elevating mineral nitrogen and phosphorus). The findings suggest that solar farm design and management—including optimising unshaded land area and enhancing vegetation under panels—can mitigate negative ecosystem service impacts.
UK applicability
Directly applicable to UK policy and practice: the study was conducted across England and Wales during the rapid expansion of solar farms to meet decarbonisation targets. Findings provide evidence for UK solar farm regulation, planning guidance, and best-management practices to balance renewable energy deployment with soil health and ecosystem service preservation.
Key measures
Plant cover, aboveground biomass, soil compaction (%), soil organic carbon (%), particulate organic matter (%), soil mineral nitrogen (%), soil phosphorus (%), soil physiochemical properties
Outcomes reported
The study quantified plant cover, aboveground biomass, soil compaction, soil nutrients (organic carbon, mineral nitrogen, phosphorus), and physiochemical properties under solar panels, in gaps between arrays, and in adjacent pasture controls. Key findings included significantly lower plant productivity under panels and altered soil properties including higher compaction and changed nutrient availability.
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