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Due to the shortage of water resources, traditional agricultural production methods make it difficult to maintain normal production. To meet this challenge, the water-collecting photovoltaic plant production system came into being. This system cleverly combines photovoltaic technology and water efficient use, by harvesting  rainwater and solar energy, to provide the necessary water and energy for agricultural production. In arid areas, such systems can not only significantly increase crop yields, but also optimize the efficiency of water resources, ensure the supply of food, and enhance the supply of nutrients, thus effectively solving the problem of food security and nutrition security.

 

Background

The challenges of food security in arid areas are multifaceted, closely intertwined with the region’s natural conditions, socio-economic factors, and policy environment. The harsh natural conditions of arid regions, characterized by low rainfall, scarce water resources, and poor soil quality, significantly limit the growth and yield of crops. Frequent droughts exacerbate these issues, leading to land degradation and desertification, further threatening agricultural productivity.

In addition to these environmental constraints, agricultural production in drylands is hindered by outdated technologies and insufficient infrastructure. The lack of advanced agricultural techniques, such as water-saving irrigation systems, efficient field management practices, and modern machinery, results in inefficient farming that struggles to withstand the challenges posed by persistent drought conditions.

Economic limitations further compound the issue. Many arid regions are economically underdeveloped, and the low incomes of farmers make it difficult for them to afford essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment. This financial strain not only affects food production but also limits access to nutritious food, contributing to food insecurity and malnutrition.

Policy support in these regions is often inadequate, with a lack of targeted agricultural subsidies, insurance schemes, and credit support systems. The absence of comprehensive policies leaves farmers vulnerable to natural disasters such as droughts, with no sufficient protection measures in place to mitigate the impacts.

Market and logistical challenges also play a significant role in food insecurity. Underdeveloped market infrastructure and inefficient logistics networks make it difficult for farmers to sell and transport their produce. This not only hampers their incomes but also restricts the availability of grain and nutritious food in local markets, exacerbating the problem of food insecurity.

Compounding these challenges is the lack of education and awareness regarding nutrition. Many people living in arid areas do not possess the necessary knowledge to ensure a balanced diet, leading to malnutrition and associated health problems. Without proper education, the cycle of poor nutrition and health issues continues to persist across generations.

Moreover, the impacts of climate change pose a long-term threat to food security in arid regions. The increasing frequency and intensity of droughts, along with extreme weather events such as floods, disrupt agricultural production and threaten the sustainability of food systems.

Overall, food and nutrition security in arid regions is a complex issue that requires innovative solutions. In response, the research group has proposed a groundbreaking water-harvesting photovoltaic plant production system which integrates photovoltaic power generation with water resource collection technologies.

Actions taken

In the context of food security challenges, Lanzhou University Arid Region Agriculture and Ecological Restoration Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education proposed rainwater harvesting photovoltaic greenhouse plant production systems as an innovative solution. This system combines photovoltaic power generation and greenhouse planting technology, through the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, which not only provide the required power for the greenhouse but also transmit excess power to the grid, to achieve dual utilization of energy.

Rainwater harvesting photovoltaic plant production system

The design of the photovoltaic greenhouse plant production system takes into account the special environmental conditions of the arid region. The design angle and layout of the photovoltaic panels are optimized to maximize the absorption of solar energy while providing the right lighting conditions for the interior of the greenhouse. The greenhouse is equipped with advanced irrigation and climate control systems, which adjust the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration according to the needs of plant growth, ensuring that the plants grow in the most suitable environment.

Rainwater harvesting photovoltaic plant production system

In addition, the system adopts water-saving irrigation technology, using drip irrigation and micro-sprinkler irrigation, effectively reducing the waste of water resources. By precisely controlling the supply of water and nutrients, the system improves the efficiency of water use and minimizes evaporation and loss, which is especially important in arid regions where water is scarce.

In 2023, it won the support of the Lanzhou Young Scientific and Technological Talents Innovation Project, project name: Research and Demonstration of a Clean Production Model of an Intelligent Water Collection Plant Factory in an arid region (2023-QN-154).

Rainwater harvesting photovoltaic plant production system

The specific application site of this technology is Gaoyanping village, Yuzhong County, Gansu Province. Traditional plant factories face issues of water waste and nutrient loss. This technology uses photovoltaic panels to collect rainwater and solve the technical problem of how to efficiently utilize water resources through a nutrient solution circulation system. Then, through the collected rainwater, the greenhouse crops receive supplementary irrigation. Practical application has proven that the collected rainwater can fully meet the water consumption of a greenhouse for one year by recycling.

Outcomes

The water-collecting photovoltaic plant production system has demonstrated significant advancements in ensuring food security and nutrition security in arid regions through its focus on water-saving, fertilizer-saving, and low-carbon solutions. Several patents have been obtained for key innovations, including a soilless cultivation system for vegetables (ZL 2018 1 1165166.3), a flower seed planting three-culture box (ZL 2020 2 318374.1), a domed greenhouse water-harvesting irrigation device for soilless cultivation (ZL 2021 2 375783.1), and an alternate water-harvesting fallow replenishment and irrigation system for mulch-free planting (ZL 2021 2 3345640.0).

From a water-saving perspective, the system efficiently utilizes water resources by employing photovoltaic water-lifting technology. Without relying on power grids or energy storage equipment, it directly converts solar energy into power for water lifting, effectively addressing the challenge of irrigation in arid areas with power shortages. In combination with water-saving irrigation methods, such as spray irrigation, drip irrigation, and micro-irrigation, the system achieves up to 22.9% water savings compared to traditional flood irrigation and hand pouring, significantly improving water resource utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the system integrates rainwater harvesting mechanisms, utilizing collected rainwater as a vital irrigation source. This approach reduces dependence on external water supplies and ensures a stable water provision for crops in arid environments.

Rainwater harvesting photovoltaic plant production system

In terms of fertilizer-saving objectives, the system leverages precision fertilization technology, ensuring plants receive an adequate and appropriate nutrient supply through nutrient solution recycling. This method prevents excessive fertilizer use, minimizes waste, and optimizes plant growth at different stages, ultimately enhancing yield and quality. The environmental benefits of fertilizer-saving technology are substantial, as it reduces fertilizer-related soil and water pollution while supporting ecological sustainability. By integrating solar power generation and rainwater harvesting, the system further enhances long-term environmental protection and sustainability.

Rainwater harvesting photovoltaic plant production system

On the low-carbon front, the system significantly reduces carbon emissions by utilizing solar power technology, thereby cutting down energy consumption in agricultural production and aligning with low-carbon environmental goals. Additionally, by combining photovoltaic water-lifting systems with water-saving irrigation technologies, it fosters the development of a green ecological industrial model, contributing to the innovation and expansion of the global "photovoltaic water-saving" industry.

Rainwater harvesting photovoltaic plant production system

In summary, the water-collecting photovoltaic plant production system effectively addresses the challenges of food security and nutrition security in arid areas through its water-saving, fertilizer-saving, and low-carbon strategies. Simultaneously, it promotes the sustainable development of agriculture while ensuring the protection of the ecological environment.

Lessons Learned

The water-collecting photovoltaic plant production system not only ensures food security and nutrition security in arid areas but also helps promote the sustainable development of agriculture and ecological environmental protection through technical means such as high-efficiency and energy-saving water replenishment and zero-carbon plant factories.