Crustivoltaics (IMAGE)

Arizona State University

Crustivoltaics

Caption

In a proof-of-concept study, ASU researchers adapted a suburban solar farm in the lower Sonoran Desert as an experimental breeding ground for biocrust. During the three-year study, photovoltaic panels promoted biocrust formation, doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover compared with open areas with similar soil characteristics.

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Graphic by Shireen Dooling

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