Improving the microenvironment of tracking photovoltaic systems promotes soil organic carbon accumulation by mediating plant carbon inputs and microbial necromass retention

Photovoltaic systems greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the microenvironmental changes of photovoltaic modules affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and improve carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems to mitigate global climate change is unclear. We analyzed the effects of different photovoltaic systems on SOC and its fractions in semi-arid grassland, and revealed the SOC formation and stability mechanisms. Tracking photovoltaic systems increased carbon stock, especially proportion of mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) in SOC by more than 10 %, and depended on the responses of plant inputs and microbial necromass to microenvironmental changes. Suitable amounts of light and water in the systems improved litter biomass and quality, and promoted MAOC accumulation by increasing the exogenous carbon supply and microbial activity. Such systems also reduced soil carbon loss by reducing heterotrophic respiration caused by low levels of organic acids and recruiting effective microorganisms such as Schizothecium and Lactobacillus. Moreover, changes in litter and root exudates promoted microbial biomass and enzyme activity, mediating the retention of microbial necromass and SOC. The contribution of bacterial necromass carbon to SOC increased by more than 8.5 %. However, fixed photovoltaic systems reduced soil carbon stock by 0.46 kg m⁻² due to water limitations that decreased both plant carbon inputs and microbial necromass. Our results revealed the importance of plant inputs and microbial necromass in regulating SOC in photovoltaic systems, and demonstrated that photovoltaic systems can achieve synergies between CO₂ emission reduction and soil carbon sequestration. This provides new insights for formulating carbon management policy and promoting sustainable eco-economic development.