Agrivoltaics (also known as dual-use solar) co-locates photovoltaic electricity generation with crop production, creating a overhead structure that alters solar radiation, hydrology, and disturbance regimes. Although agrivoltaic research has historically emphasized crop yield and energy tradeoffs, soil effects are increasingly recognized as central to long-term agronomic viability and ecosystem services.

This study evaluated soil health responses to agrivoltaic systems across three agricultural contexts in Massachusetts—one hayfield and two vegetable production sites—using replicated field sampling, mixed‑design repeated‑measures statistical analyses, and within‑array spatial assessments. Soil physical, chemical, and biological indicators were measured over multiple years to assess both treatment effects (agrivoltaic vs. control) and temporal dynamics following solar array installation.

Overall, results indicate that soil health outcomes under agrivoltaic systems were driven more strongly by management practices, temporal variability, and micro‑scale environmental conditions than by the presence of solar panels alone. Where agrivoltaic effects were detected, they were most often expressed as differences in how soils changed over time or differed by site context.