Agrivoltaics defines land used simultaneously for agriculture and solar photovoltaic power generation, thus allowing landowners to cultivate crops and produce clean energy simultaneously. However, the microclimate created by photovoltaic panels can affect plant growth and development, including leaf morphology and physiology, thus playing a significant role in whole-plant physiological activity. Although the shade provided by the panels could limit photosynthetic activity, plants have considerable adaptability to different light regimes, so that some crops may respond well to exposure to reduced solar radiation. Additionally, shading has benefits, such as reduced temperature and evapotranspiration, which may result in less water needed for irrigation. Panels can also help make the crops less vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as strong winds, hailstorms, and severe cold and heat conditions. In times of high demand for renewable energies and food production often compromised by adverse climatic conditions, agrivoltaic systems are a promising approach to combine both food (and no food) production and photovoltaic energy production on the same land to sustain both Agrivoltaics, an innovative field that integrates agriculture with solar photovoltaic power generation, is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to meet the dual demands of food and energy production. This approach allows for the simultaneous cultivation of crops and generation of clean energy on the same land, offering a promising strategy to optimize land use. However, the microclimate created by photovoltaic panels can significantly influence plant growth and development, affecting leaf morphology, physiology, and overall plant activity. While the shading from panels may limit photosynthetic activity, many crops exhibit adaptability to varying light conditions, potentially thriving under reduced solar radiation. Moreover, shading can offer benefits such as decreased temperature and evapotranspiration, leading to reduced irrigation needs. Panels also provide protection against extreme weather events, enhancing crop resilience. Despite these advantages, there is a need for comprehensive research to understand the full implications of agrivoltaic systems, including their impact on crop yield, quality, and adaptability, as well as economic and environmental sustainability.

This Research Topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of agrivoltaics in crop production, focusing on identifying suitable crops for these systems, optimal cultivation methods, and long-term projections of crop performance. The research will delve into microclimatic changes induced by solar panels, their effects on yield and crop quality, and the adaptability of different crops. Additionally, it will address economic considerations, sustainability assessments, and innovative cultural and technical practices that can enhance crop cultivation under photovoltaic arrays. By providing a comprehensive overview of these elements, the research seeks to inform and motivate scientists, farmers, and consumers to adopt agrivoltaic systems, thereby contributing to the sustainable production of food and energy.

To gather further insights in the integration of agriculture and solar energy production, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Crop selection and cultural practices
- Long-term effects on crop production and solar arrays
- Light management under solar panels
- Transparent solar panels for agriculture
- Water management and collection during scarcity
- Changes in plant metabolic pathways
- Temperature variations
- Agrivoltaic impacts on fruit and plant organ quality
- Monitoring systems and sensor technology
- Species and cultivar adaptability
- Interactions with mechanization and precision agriculture
- Economic benefits for farmers
- Development of crop-specific models
- Effects on biodiversity: advantages and drawbacks.

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Frontiers in Horticulture

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