Impacts of "Medicinal Herb-Liana" Utilization Models under Photovoltaic Panels on Soil Nutrient Cycling and Enzyme Activity in Rocky Desertification Areas
Objective This study aims to achieve efficient utilization and value transformation of the space under photovoltaic panels in rocky desertification areas, and to reveal the effects of different "medicinal herb-liana" utilization models on improving soil nutrients and enzyme activities, thereby selecting a model that can efficiently utilize the space under panels while having socioeconomic value. Methods Based on a near-natural indoor simulation test site, composite utilization models of Polygonum multiflorum with various lianas were established. Drawing from soil data in both dry and rainy seasons, one-way ANOVA, nonlinear regression, and redundancy analysis were employed to systematically analyze the temporal variation trends of total soil nutrients and available nutrients under different utilization models, thereby further clarifying the correlation characteristics between soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity. Results 1) The model of P. multiflorum with Lonicera japonica exhibited a stable nutrient accumulation effect; the model of P. multiflorum with Puerarialobata showed strong seasonal fluctuations, with a net depletion of nutrient content throughout the year; the model of P. multi-florum with Wisteria showed an initial increase followed by a decrease in nutrients. In comparison, the control group exhibited continuous nutrient depletion. 2) The seasonal dynamics of available nutrients showed significant species specificity. The L. japonica model achieved accumulation of available phosphorus and potassium in both dry and rainy seasons. In addition, despite an explosive increase of 4.02 mg/kg in alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen in the Wisteria model during the dry season, this increase was rapidly lost during the rainy season. 3) Organic carbon and available phosphorus served as key factors driving enzyme activity variation, with explanatory rates of 71.8% (dry season) and 83.5% (rainy season), respectively. The L. japonica model alleviated carbon and phosphorus limitations through the accumulation of organic carbon, resulting in a steady increase in both soil nutrients and enzyme activity, whereas the Wisteria model presented a state of high enzyme activity but low nutrient content. Conclusion The "medicinal herb-liana" composite utilization model plays an important role in enhancing the stability of the soil biochemical system and nutrient cycling efficiency in the area under photovoltaic panels. The composite utilization model of P. multiflorum with L. japonica exhibits the best adaptation potential and ecological benefits. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for under-panel economic deve-lopment and sustainable soil ecological management of photovoltaic power stations in rocky desertification areas.
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