Soil compaction risks found in new agri-photovoltaic plant construction
Researchers at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research measured soil density after a solar farm built in fall 2024 near Müncheberg, Brandenburg.
Construction machinery caused soil compaction
Heavy equipment used during the build process pressed down on the ground. This pressure created dense areas where plant roots would find it difficult to grow later. The study found that subsoil density reached between 1.67 and 1.69 grams per cubic centimeter in these zones.
Specific points showed higher density
Some individual measurement locations recorded values as high as 1.86 to 1.99 grams per cubic centimeter. These figures were significantly greater than the 1.14 to 1.34 grams per cubic centimeter seen on an uncompacted control plot.
Protection measures can prevent damage
Targeted soil protection steps during construction can largely avoid this compaction issue. The researchers published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports to highlight these risks.
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