Effect of Simulated Photovoltaic Roofs on the Yield and Nitrate Content of Pak Choi and Rape

Integrating solar modules into agricultural production constitutes a novel type of agricultural industry. We evaluated the effect of setting opaque plastic solar modules on greenhouse roofs on the crop growth inside greenhouse. The opaque plas-tic agricultural films simulating the material of solar modules and the greenhouse roofs covered with these films were used, and the yield and nitrate content of pak choi (Brassica chinensis 'Bekamaru') and rape (Brassica napus 'Dragon') under these films were measured. The results indicated that the yield of pak choi did not change considerably by a simulated photovoltaic (SPV) roof with a shading rate of 38% com-pared with an uncovered plastic (PL) roof. However, during the first and second planting periods, the yield of rape under the PL roof substantially exceeded that un-der the SPV roof by 31% and 34%, respectively, indicating that the effect of shading on the yield of rape was greater than that on the yield of pak choi. In addition, the appearance of pak choi and rape also changed under the SPV roof, such as fewer leaves, lower chlorophyll content, and larger specific leaf areas. Nevertheless, the ni-trate content of crops grown under the SPV roof exceeded that of crops grown under the PL roof. In conclusion, based on the expression of yield and growth of crops, pak choi is suitable for cultivation in greenhouses that are equipped with photovoltaic sys-tems. However, to prevent plants from accumulating excessive nitrate, attention must be focused on the amount and frequency of nitrogen fertilizers application.

Automated summary

Integrating opaque plastic solar modules into greenhouse agriculture has an impact on crop growth. Pak choi is suitable for cultivation in greenhouses equipped with photovoltaic systems, but attention needs to be paid to nitrate content.