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WOMEN IN AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE
marily centred around the conservation of soil struc- ture and the promotion of low-growing plant growth for biodiversity enhancement. One significant benefit is the substantial reduction in dust and maintaining lower temperatures beneath the solar panels, con- tributing to enhanced panel efficiency. Furthermore, the sequestration of soil carbon becomes potentially a valuable mechanism for attracting carbon credits. Emphasising biodiversity as a foundational element in solar developments not only positively influences adjoining properties but also has broader implica- tions for the entire landscape. As Australia embraces the transition to renewable energy, agrivoltaics presents a unique opportunity to harmonise solar development with agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and rural economic resilience. International models, from Japan’s innovative crop integration to the policy frameworks in Europe and the United States, dem- onstrate that, with the right standards and incen- tives, solar farming can support both food and energy security. Australia is well-positioned to lead in this space, particularly through solar grazing and sub-5 Mega- watt distributed energy systems that serve local communities and industries. However, success will depend on thoughtful planning, collaboration be- tween solar developers and agricultural experts, and an emphasis on ecological integrity, especially in low-rainfall regions where biodiversity-friendly design can deliver long-term benefits. By embedding agriculture, energy, and ecology into the design of solar farms from the outset, Aus- tralia can unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics, not just as a land-use solution, but as a blueprint for a more sustainable and integrated future. Karin Stark convenes the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo, to help farmers take advantage of the benefits renewables provide. She lives on a farm and is Director - Farm Renew- ables Consulting, is a Board Director for RE Alliance and a member of the NSW Farmer's Energy Transi- tion Taskforce.
To avoid these issues, solar developers should engage agronomists, livestock specialists, and ex- perienced graziers early in the project lifecycle. Their input can guide: • Pasture selection and establishment, based on local soil and climate conditions. • Farm layout design, optimised for livestock health, pasture management, and oper- ational efficiency. Pastures should be well established before construction begins to ensure resilience and pro- ductivity. Where improved pastures already exist, disturbance during construction should be mini- mised. In areas with native pastures, preserving these ecosystems through low-impact development should be a priority. Solar farms enhancing biodiversity Biodiversity should be prioritised in low rainfall zones. For example, in arid and semi-arid areas characterized by less than 250 millimetres of rain a year, an ecologically sensitive option is to em- ploy rollers instead of graders during construction and to incorporate the seeding of native plants be- neath solar panels. This approach offers numerous advantages, pri-
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