Solar power plants today play an irreplaceable role in the production of so-called clean energy as well as in efforts to reduce emissions. However, photovoltaic parks occupy large areas of natural land, making it essential to address their ecological impact during construction and operation.

This means ensuring soil and vegetation quality recovery through proper seed selection and the choice of an appropriate maintenance method.

If you operate a solar power plant, you probably consider various vegetation maintenance methods: grazing, mowing, or mulching.

This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these maintenance options, their impact on the ecosystem within the power plants and surrounding landscapes, and the associated costs.

The article is based on the study “Suitable sward management in photovoltaic parks in relation to sustainability and ecosystem services – a review,” conducted by the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, specifically the Department of Agroecology and Crop Production at the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources.

Seed selection and the benefits of different mixtures.

The species composition of grass affects both the ecosystem and subsequent maintenance requirements. Therefore, selecting the right seed mixture is crucial when establishing grasslands.

• Commercial mixtures focused on high productivity and nutritional value are affordable but require intensive care, including higher amounts of nutrients and water.
• Mixtures for low-maintenance grasslands are designed to adapt to various conditions, suitable for less fertile soils or dry areas. They grow slowly and have lower productivity, making maintenance less demanding. However, they are not suitable for grazing sheep, as they grow slowly and provide fewer nutrients.
• Mixtures with high species diversity and an emphasis on native species offer the greatest ecological benefits. These mixtures consist mostly of low grasses and a wide variety of herbs but are expensive, hard to source, and maintenance intensive.

Maintaining the ecological benefits of vegetation requires diversity, vitality, and resilience, influenced by adequate watering, nutrients, and timely harvesting.