1
|
Boscarino-Gaetano R, Vernes K, Nordberg EJ. Creating wildlife habitat using artificial structures: a review of their efficacy and potential use in solar farms. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1848-1867. [PMID: 38735646 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by a growing human population modifying nearly three-quarters of the Earth's land surface area for anthropogenic uses. Habitat loss and modification represent the largest threat to biodiversity and finding ways to offset species decline has been a significant undertaking for conservation. Landscape planning and conservation strategies can enhance habitat suitability for biodiversity in human-modified landscapes. Artificial habitat structures such as artificial reefs, nest boxes, chainsaw hollows, artificial burrows, and artificial hibernacula have all been successfully implemented to improve species survival in human-modified and fragmented landscapes. As the global shift towards renewable energy sources continues to rise, the development of photovoltaic systems is growing exponentially. Large-scale renewable projects, such as photovoltaic solar farms have large space requirements and thus have the potential to displace local wildlife. We discuss the feasibility of 'conservoltaic systems' - photovoltaic systems that incorporate elements tailored specifically to enhance wildlife habitat suitability and species conservation. Artificial habitat structures can potentially lessen the impacts of industrial development (e.g., photovoltaic solar farms) through strategic landscape planning and an understanding of local biodiversity requirements to facilitate recolonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remo Boscarino-Gaetano
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Karl Vernes
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Eric J Nordberg
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Coşgun AE, Endiz MS, Demir H, Özcan M. Agrivoltaic systems for sustainable energy and agriculture integration in Turkey. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32300. [PMID: 38912471 PMCID: PMC11190663 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, which is one of the leading renewable energy sources, has become increasingly widespread around the world due to its numerous advantages. However, PV-based electricity generation necessitates a large amount of land. Agrivoltaic (AV) systems, an innovative approach to combining agricultural and electricity production in the same area through solar modules positioned several meters above the surface of the ground, are growing rapidly in renewable energy and farming communities. This study explores Turkey's solar power generation and agricultural activities, combining crop cultivation and electricity generation for sustainable development on the same land. Furthermore, the AV potential for the most agriculture ten cities in different climate zones in Turkey is investigated using the PVsyst program. A list of the most commonly grown crops in the ten selected cities and the types of AV systems that can be employed with these crops is provided. The results show that AV systems present a great opportunity for the optimal integration of solar power generation with food production, especially for the cities of Konya, Kayseri, and Manisa, with the most ideal conditions for agricultural and solar power production. By combining the solar power potential of the country with the production capacity of arable lands, the increasing energy needs can be met and more efficient agricultural production can be provided. This study is expected to demonstrate that in specific regions of Turkey, AV farming will be suitable for certain crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hasan Demir
- Faculty of Engineering, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Muciz Özcan
- Faculty of Engineering, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lafitte A, Sordello R, Ouédraogo DY, Thierry C, Marx G, Froidevaux J, Schatz B, Kerbiriou C, Gourdain P, Reyjol Y. Existing evidence on the effects of photovoltaic panels on biodiversity: a systematic map with critical appraisal of study validity. ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 2023; 12:25. [PMID: 39294828 PMCID: PMC11378773 DOI: 10.1186/s13750-023-00318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To phase out fossil fuels and reach a carbon-neutral future, solar energy and notably photovoltaic (PV) installations are being rapidly scaled up. Unlike other types of renewable energies such as wind and hydroelectricity, evidence on the effects of PV installations on biodiversity has been building up only fairly recently and suggests that they may directly impact ecosystems and species through, for instance, habitat change and loss, mortality, behaviour alteration or population displacements. Hence, we conducted a systematic map of existing evidence aiming at answering the following question: what evidence exists regarding the effects of PV installations on wild terrestrial and semi-aquatic species? METHODS We searched for relevant citations on four online publication databases, on Google Scholar, on four specialised websites and through a call for grey literature. Citations were then screened for eligibility in order to only retain citations referring to wild terrestrial and semi-aquatic species as well as PV and solar thermal installations, therefore excluding concentrated solar power. Accepted articles were first split into studies (corresponding to one experimental design) subjected to critical appraisal and then further split into observations (i.e. one population and one outcome) during metadata extraction. The current state of the literature was characterised and knowledge clusters and gaps identified. REVIEW FINDINGS Searching captured 8121 unique citations, which resulted in 158 relevant articles being accepted after screening. Even though the first article was published in 2005, the publication rate increased rapidly in 2020. The 97 included primary research and modelling articles were split into 137 unique studies and rated with either a low (43.8%), a high (41.6%) or an unclear overall risk of bias (14.6%) after internal validity assessment. Studies were further split into 434 observations, mainly carried out in the United States (23.0%) and the United Kingdom (21.0%), preferentially in temperate climates (64.5%). Plants and arthropods were the two most studied taxa (41.7% and 26.3%, respectively). Utility-scale solar energy (USSE) facilities were most often investigated (70.1%). Observations mainly focused on the effect of the presence of PV installations (51.8%). Species abundance, community composition and species diversity were the most common outcomes assessed (23.0%, 18.4% and 16.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Three knowledge clusters for which a systematic review should be contemplated were identified: (i) the effects of PV installations on plant and (ii) arthropod communities and, (iii) their effects at a larger ecosystem scale on overall species abundance. However, the currently available evidence regarding the effects of photovoltaic installations on biodiversity is still scarce. More research is urgently needed on non-flying mammals and bats as well as amphibians and reptiles. Solar thermal panels and floating PV installations should also be further investigated. Studies comparing different designs of PV installations, management practices or contexts should be conducted as well. Indeed, more evidence is still needed to allow decision-makers to accurately and reliably select the types of PV installations and management practices that are least damaging to biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alix Lafitte
- PatriNat (OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité) - MNHN (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)), 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Romain Sordello
- PatriNat (OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité) - MNHN (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Dakis-Yaoba Ouédraogo
- PatriNat (OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité) - MNHN (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Thierry
- PatriNat (OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité) - MNHN (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Geoffroy Marx
- LPO (Ligue Pour la Protection Des Oiseaux), 17300, Rochefort, France
| | - Jérémy Froidevaux
- CESCO (Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation), UMR 7204, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), 75005, Paris, France
- CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Sorbonne Université, Station Marine, 29900, Concarneau, France
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | - Bertrand Schatz
- CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Christian Kerbiriou
- CESCO (Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation), UMR 7204, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Gourdain
- PatriNat (OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité) - MNHN (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Yorick Reyjol
- PatriNat (OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité) - MNHN (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)), 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sturchio MA, Knapp AK. Ecovoltaic principles for a more sustainable, ecologically informed solar energy future. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1746-1749. [PMID: 37563466 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Sturchio
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Alan K Knapp
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Joy SS, Khan I, Swaraz A. A non-traditional Agrophotovoltaic installation and its impact on cereal crops: A case of the BRRI-33 rice variety in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17824. [PMID: 37455997 PMCID: PMC10339022 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Agrophotovoltaic (APV) installation (i.e., basic row layout with minimum or no usage of the space underneath the solar PV panels) is responsible for a vast amount of agricultural land waste as no regular crops are grown under the shade of APV. Bangladesh is no exception to this trend. A primary in-person survey of about 50 solar irrigation pumps (SIPs), i.e., APVs, in Bangladesh, shows that on average, 13.77 decimal or 7,200 sq.ft. of land is used for each APV system installation. If 10,000 SIPs are installed by 2027 in Bangladesh, as targeted by the government through Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) by employing the same procedure, the land wastage would be 1,652 acres. Notably, this is a critical issue for a country like Bangladesh with a scarcity of agricultural lands. According to World Bank data, agricultural land in Bangladesh was about 80% in 1989 and reduced to 76% in 2020 due to population growth and urbanization. Therefore, to reduce agricultural land waste a non-traditional APV installation procedure, along with its shading impact on the BRRI-33 rice variety (a major crop in Bangladesh), has been investigated in this study. The results show that discontinuous sunlight has an insignificant impact on BRRI-33 rice production, and APV might be installed in the cultivating area for irrigation purposes. This non-traditional APV installation has a statistically insignificant impact on rice yield. For instance, the 100 grains' yield variation was between 1.45 and 4.82%, which is insignificant. Additionally, the APV shade does not negatively impact soil pH level, and shadow helps keep the soil temperature low and ensures less irrigation. Hence, the proposed non-traditional APV installation could achieve sustainable agriculture and energy development through efficient land use at least in the case of the BRRI-33 rice variety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shourov Sarker Joy
- Energy Research Laboratory, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Imran Khan
- Energy Research Laboratory, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - A.M. Swaraz
- Functional Genomics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gorman CE, Torsney A, Gaughran A, McKeon CM, Farrell CA, White C, Donohue I, Stout JC, Buckley YM. Reconciling climate action with the need for biodiversity protection, restoration and rehabilitation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159316. [PMID: 36228799 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Globally, we are faced with a climate crisis that requires urgent transition to a low-carbon economy. Simultaneously, the biodiversity crisis demands equally urgent action to prevent further species loss and promote restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems. Climate action itself must prevent further pressures on biodiversity and options for synergistic gains for both climate and biodiversity change mitigation and adaptation need to be explored and implemented. Here, we review the key potential impacts of climate mitigation measures in energy and land-use on biodiversity, including the development of renewable energy such as offshore and onshore wind, solar, and bioenergy. We also assess the potential impacts of climate action driven afforestation and native habitat rehabilitation and restoration. We apply our findings to Ireland as a unique case-study as the government develops a coordinated response to climate and biodiversity change through declaration of a joint climate and biodiversity emergency and inclusion of biodiversity in key climate change legislation and the national Climate Action Plan. However, acknowledgement of these intertwined crises is only a first step; implementation of synergistic solutions requires careful planning. We demonstrate how synergy between climate and biodiversity action can be gained through explicit consideration of the effects of climate change mitigation strategies, such as energy infrastructure development and land-use change, on biodiversity. We identify several potential "win-win" strategies for both climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation. For Ireland, these include increasing offshore wind capacity, rehabilitating natural areas surrounding onshore wind turbines, and limiting the development of solar photovoltaics to the built environment. Ultimately, climate mitigation should be implemented in a "Right Action, Right Place" framework to maximise positive biodiversity benefits. This review provides one of the first examples of how national climate actions can be implemented in a biodiversity-conscious way to initiate discussion about synergistic solutions for both climate and biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Gorman
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Andrew Torsney
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Caroline M McKeon
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Cian White
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ian Donohue
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jane C Stout
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yvonne M Buckley
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xia Z, Li Y, Zhang W, Chen R, Guo S, Zhang P, Du P. Solar photovoltaic program helps turn deserts green in China: Evidence from satellite monitoring. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 324:116338. [PMID: 36208517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Solar energy is considered one of the key solutions to the growing demand for energy and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to the relatively low cost of land use for solar energy and high power generation potential, a large number of photovoltaic (PV) power stations have been established in desert areas around the world. Despite the contribution to easing the energy crisis and combating climate change, large-scale construction and operation of PV power stations can change the land cover and affect the environment. However, few studies have focused on these special land cover changes, especially vegetation cover changes, which hinders understanding the effects of the extensive development of solar energy. Here, we used Continuous Change Detection and Classification - Spectral Mixture Analysis (CCDC-SMA) based on Landsat images to monitor changes in vegetation abundance before and after the PV power stations deployment. To reduce the interference of PV shading on vegetation abundance estimation, we improved the vegetation (VG) fraction from SMA and developed the Photovoltaics-Adjusted Vegetation (PAVG) fraction for vegetation abundance measurements in PV power stations. Results show that PV power stations in China's 12 biggest deserts expanded from 0 to 102.56 km2 from 2011 to 2018, mainly distributed in the central part of north China. The desert vegetation in the deployment area of PV power stations presented a significant greening trend. Compared to 2010, the greening area reached 30.80 km2, accounting for 30% of the total area of PV power stations. Overall, the large-scale deployment of PV power stations has promoted desert greening, primarily due to government-led Photovoltaic Desert Control Projects and favorable climatic change. This study shows the great benefits of PV power stations in combating desertification and improving people's welfare, which bring sustainable economic, ecological and social prosperity in sandy ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Xia
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Land Satellite Remote Sensing Applications of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA; Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Land Satellite Remote Sensing Applications of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Ruishan Chen
- School of Design, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shanchuan Guo
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Land Satellite Remote Sensing Applications of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Land Satellite Remote Sensing Applications of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Peijun Du
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Land Satellite Remote Sensing Applications of Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sturchio MA, Macknick JE, Barron‐Gafford GA, Chen A, Alderfer C, Condon K, Hajek OL, Miller B, Pauletto B, Siggers JA, Slette IJ, Knapp AK. Grassland productivity responds unexpectedly to dynamic light and soil water environments induced by photovoltaic arrays. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Sturchio
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | | | - Greg A. Barron‐Gafford
- School of Geography, Development and Environment University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
- Biosphere 2 University of Arizona Tucson Arizona USA
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Cavin Alderfer
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Kathleen Condon
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Olivia L. Hajek
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Benjamin Miller
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Benjamin Pauletto
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - J. Alexander Siggers
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Ingrid J. Slette
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara California USA
| | - Alan K. Knapp
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lafitte A, Sordello R, de Crespin de Billy V, Froidevaux J, Gourdain P, Kerbiriou C, Langridge J, Marx G, Schatz B, Thierry C, Reyjol Y. What evidence exists regarding the effects of photovoltaic panels on biodiversity? A critical systematic map protocol. ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 2022; 11:36. [PMID: 39294807 PMCID: PMC11378789 DOI: 10.1186/s13750-022-00291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change and the current phase-out of fossil fuel-fired power generation are currently expanding the market of renewable energy and more especially photovoltaic (PV) panels. Contrary to other types of renewable energies, such as wind and hydroelectricity, evidence on the effects of PV panels on biodiversity has been building up only fairly recently. PV panels have been linked to substantial impacts on species and ecosystems, the first and most obvious one being the degradation of natural habitats but they may also lead to mortality of individuals and displacements of populations. Hence, we propose a systematic map aiming to draw a comprehensive panorama of the available knowledge on the effects of photovoltaic and solar thermal (PVST) installations, whatever their scales (i.e. cells, panels, arrays, utility-scale facilities), on terrestrial and semi-aquatic species and natural/semi-natural habitats and ecosystems. This work aims at providing decision-makers with a better understanding of the effects of PVST installations and, therefore, help them further protect biodiversity while also mitigating anthropogenic climate change. METHODS We will follow the collaboration for environmental evidence guidelines and search for relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature in English or French. The search string will combine population (all wild terrestrial and semi-aquatic species-e.g. animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms-as well as natural/semi-natural terrestrial habitats and ecosystems) and exposure/intervention (all technologies of PVST panels at all scales of installations and therefore excluding concentrated solar power) terms. A pre-built test list of relevant articles will be used to assess the comprehensiveness of the search string. Extracted citations will be screened at title and full-text stages thanks to pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Accepted citations will then be split into studies and observations, from which relevant metadata (e.g. taxon, exposure/intervention, outcome) will be extracted and their internal validity assessed through a critical appraisal. The database will be accessible alongside a map report which will draw a landscape of eligible studies. By describing studied populations, exposures/interventions, outcomes and internal study validity results, the report will identify potential knowledge clusters and gaps regarding the effects of PVST installations on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alix Lafitte
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)), 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Romain Sordello
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)), 75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Jérémy Froidevaux
- CESCO UMR 7204, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), 75005, Paris, France
- University of Stirling, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | - Philippe Gourdain
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Christian Kerbiriou
- CESCO UMR 7204, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Joseph Langridge
- FRB-Cesab (Fondation pour la Recherche sur la Biodiversité - Centre de Synthèse et d'Analyse sur la Biodiversité), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Geoffroy Marx
- LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux), 17300, Rochefort, France
| | - Bertrand Schatz
- CEFE (Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle & Evolutive), Université de Montpellier, CNRS (Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique), EPHE (Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes), IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Chloé Thierry
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Yorick Reyjol
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)), 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tsafack N, Fang W, Wang X, Xie Y, Wang X, Fattorini S. Influence of grazing and solar panel installation on tenebrionid beetles (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) of a central Asian steppe. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115791. [PMID: 35932742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Grazing may represent a major threat to biodiversity in arid grasslands. The increasing use of grasslands for solar parks may represent a new important threat. No study has investigated the effects of solar parks on soil insects. Tenebrionids are a major component of the arthropod fauna of grasslands of central Asia. These ecosystems are threatened by grazing and increasing land use for solar parks. Aim of this work was to investigate the effects of grazing and solar panels on tenebrionids in arid grasslands (desert steppe) in China by comparing their community structure in ungrazed, heavily grazed, and solar park sites. Beetles were sampled by pitfall traps, and sites were compared for abundance and diversity (Hill numbers). All sites were characterized by simple, strongly dominated tenebrionid communities. Species proportions varied among sites. Grazing negatively influenced overall abundance, but did not alter species proportions; by contrast, solar panels had no effect on the average abundance, but reduced the proportion of the most abundant species. Compared with the other two sites, the solar park was characterized by a higher plant biomass and lower temperatures. A major availability of resources and less harsh conditions in the solar park might have a role in reducing the dominance of the most abundant species, allowing other species to attain higher abundances. This led to a more balanced community structure, with higher values of diversity. Although neither grazing nor solar panel installation modified radically tenebrionid species-abundance distribution or diversity, grazing and solar panel installation had different effects in species abundances and their impact might amplify the effect of other disturbance factors such as the ongoing climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelline Tsafack
- cE3c- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João dÁvila, Pico da Urze, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal; School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 489 Helanshan West Road, 750021, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Wei Fang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 489 Helanshan West Road, 750021, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Xingyu Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 489 Helanshan West Road, 750021, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Yingzhong Xie
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 489 Helanshan West Road, 750021, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Xinpu Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, 489 Helanshan West Road, 750021, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Simone Fattorini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Walston LJ, Barley T, Bhandari I, Campbell B, McCall J, Hartmann HM, Dolezal AG. Opportunities for agrivoltaic systems to achieve synergistic food-energy-environmental needs and address sustainability goals. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.932018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Achieving decarbonization goals to address global climate change and increasing energy needs requires significant continued investments in solar energy. The expansion of utility-scale solar development across the globe has increased the pressure on land resources for energy generation and other land uses (e.g., agriculture, biodiversity conservation). To address this growing issue, greater emphasis has been placed on solar development strategies that maximize the benefits of solar energy generation and multiple ecosystem services, such as the development of agrivoltaics systems that co-locate solar energy production and various forms of conservation and agricultural land uses. The purpose of this paper is to systematically synthesize the potential ecosystem services of agrivoltaics and summarize how these development strategies could address several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our review will focus on four broad potential ecosystem services of agrivoltaics: (1) energy and economic benefits; (2) agricultural provisioning services of food production and animal husbandry; (3) biodiversity conservation; and (4) regulating ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and water and soil conservation. In particular, we will highlight the state of the science, challenges, and knowledge gaps that represent opportunities for further study to better understand how solar energy deployment can facilitate sustainable development.
Collapse
|
12
|
Botero-Valencia J, Mejia-Herrera M, Pearce JM. Low cost climate station for smart agriculture applications with photovoltaic energy and wireless communication. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00296. [PMID: 35509914 PMCID: PMC9058848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Measuring climatic conditions is a fundamental task for a wide array of scientific and practical fields. Weather variables change depending on position and time, especially in tropical zones without seasons. Additionally, the increasing development of precision or smart agriculture makes it necessary to improve the measurement systems while widely distributing them at the location of crops. For these reasons, in this work, the design, construction and fabrication of an adaptable autonomous solar-powered climatic station with wireless 3G or WiFi communication is presented. The station measures relative humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, wind speed, and light radiation. In addition, the system monitors the charge state of the main battery and the energy generated by the photovoltaic module to act as a reference cell for solar energy generation capability and agrivoltaic potential in the installation area. The station can be remotely controlled and reconfigured. The collected data from all sensors can be uploaded to the cloud in real-time. This initiative aims at enhancing the development of free and open source hardware that can be used by the agricultural sector and that allows professionals in the area to improve harvest yield and production conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J.S. Botero-Valencia
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - M. Mejia-Herrera
- Grupo de Sistemas de Control y Robótica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Joshua M. Pearce
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Ivey Business School, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mitchell SR, DeBano SJ, Rowland MM, Burrows S. Feed the bees and shade the streams: riparian shrubs planted for restoration provide forage for native bees. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott R. Mitchell
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97330 U.S.A
- Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center Oregon State University Hermiston OR 97838 U.S.A
| | - Sandra J. DeBano
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97330 U.S.A
- Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center Oregon State University Hermiston OR 97838 U.S.A
| | - Mary M. Rowland
- United States Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station La Grande OR 97850‐3368 U.S.A
| | - Skyler Burrows
- Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory Utah State University Logan UT 84322 U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|