Impacts of large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations on the phenotype and biomass distribution characteristics of sand-fixing plants

doi:10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2024.00103

Journal of Desert Research ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (1): 162-172.DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2024.00103

Impacts of large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations on the phenotype and biomass distribution characteristics of sand-fixing plants

Yiying Yang¹(), Silin Su², Enzhi Cao¹, Hongyou Li¹, Hongming Chi¹, Kai Lin³, Xudong Wu⁴, Wenqiang He², Haotian Yang²()

^1.Longyuan （Beijing） Solar Technology Co. ，LTD，Beijing 100000，China
^2.Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands / Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station，Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources，Chinese Academy of Sciences，Lanzhou 730000，China
^3.Ningxia Longyuan New Energy Co. ，LTD，Yinchuan 750002，China
^4.Institute of Forestry and Grassland Ecology，Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences，Yinchuan 750002，China

Received:2024-09-18 Revised:2024-10-29 Online:2025-01-20 Published:2025-01-13
Contact: Haotian Yang

Abstract

Abstract:

Phenotypic plasticity is a crucial mechanism for plants to adapt to environmental changes. However， its spatial adaptation to large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations remains poorly understood. This study investigated the sand-fixing plants at different positions under and between the photovoltaic panels of large-scale photovoltaic power stations in the southeastern edge of Tengger Desert. It revealed the adaptation mechanisms of sand-fixing plants to photovoltaic power stations from the perspectives of morphology， biomass， and distribution. After implementing ecological restoration， the photovoltaic array significantly altered the individual phenotypes of sand-fixing plants. Plant height， root length， ground diameter， above-ground and below-groundbiomass were significantly reduced under panel compared with inter-panel spaces. There were also varying degrees of differences in inter-panel （lower） spaces. Photovoltaic panels are more conducive to the growth of sand-fixing plants. The root-shoot ratio （R/S） near the rain line of photovoltaic panels is significantly lower than that between them； this serves as an important mechanism for sand fixation plants to adapt to water and light resource redistribution within photovoltaic power stations while conforming to optimal allocation hypothesis. Photovoltaic arrays significantly changed the spatial distribution characteristics of plant communities； species richness， diversity， vegetation coverage， and density were all significantly reduced under PV panels compared with those between them. Photovoltaic arrays also influenced relationships between plant community characteristics and biomass as well as R/S； species richness and plant density regulated both biomass and distribution patterns in sand-fixing vegetation. By modifying environmental conditions such as light and microclimate， photovoltaic arrays exert a significant influence on the growth and R/S of sand-fixing plants. These research findings can serve as a crucial theoretical foundation for promoting sustainable development in large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations and facilitating scientific ecological restoration.

Key words: large-scale desert photovoltaic base, ecological restoration, root-shoot ratio, optimal allocation hypothesis, plant morphology

CLC Number:

Q948

Yiying Yang, Silin Su, Enzhi Cao, Hongyou Li, Hongming Chi, Kai Lin, Xudong Wu, Wenqiang He, Haotian Yang. Impacts of large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations on the phenotype and biomass distribution characteristics of sand-fixing plants[J]. Journal of Desert Research, 2025, 45(1): 162-172.

Figures/Tables 7

Fig.1 Study area and sample plot distribution

Fig.2 Spatial distribution of sample lines and quadrats

Fig.3 Spatial variation characteristics of sand-fixing plant morphology

Fig.4 Spatial variation characteristics of sand-fixing plant communities

Fig.5 Spatial distribution characteristics of sand-fixing plant biomass

Fig.6 Spatial distribution characteristics of root-shoot ratio of sand-fixing plants

Fig.7 Correlation analysis of vegetation morphology and community characteristics with biomass

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Impacts of large-scale desert photovoltaic power stations on the phenotype and biomass distribution characteristics of sand-fixing plants

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