Raising geese under photovoltaic panels in rice fields

Do photovoltaic systems affect rice crop yield?

Emerging interest in these systems led us to investigate their influence on rice crops. Various factors affecting rice crop yield, including fertilizer application, temperature, and solar radiation, were directly observed, and measured to evaluate changes associated with the shading rates of photovoltaic systems installed above rice crops.

Can photovoltaic systems improve paddy-field rice productivity?

This is the first study to investigate the influence of installing photovoltaic systems on the productivity of paddy-field rice, which is a staple crop cultivated in agricultural areas in Japan. This study provides novel results that may prove useful, not only in Japan, but also in other rice-producing countries.

Can agrivoltaic systems increase energy output above rice paddies?

Potential energy output of agrivoltaic systems above rice paddies in Japan. Agrivoltaic systems have the potential to increase the value of renewable energy, while adding functional value to the land, as opposed to the conventional function of only crop production [ 23, 37 ].

Are agrivoltaic systems bad for rice?

In Japan, rice ( Oryza sativa) is one of the most widely cultivated crops, covering a total area of 1.47 million hectares [ 45 ]. Given that rice is a valuable crop, especially in Asia, the risks posed by agrivoltaic systems to rice quality and quantity may be deemed too great.

Does photovoltaic shading affect rice yields?

Thus, no prior research has explored the effects of shading from photovoltaics on rice yields throughout the rice cultivation cycle. While some studies have examined the negative effects of shading on crops integrated with agrivoltaics, none have reported the impact on rice yield and quality.

Do APV systems improve photosynthesis in rice plants?

Overall, crops grown underneath the APV systems had a greater plant height and stem length. Moreover, the solar radiation and PAR underneath the APV systems were also lower than in the control plots. The photosynthetic efficacy in rice plants grown underneath the APV systems was lower than in the control plots.