Effects of Photovoltaic Park Construction on Vegetation and Soils in Coastal Saline–Alkaline Areas of the Yellow River Delta

As energy transformation accelerates globally, coastal saline–alkaline soils have become key areas for large‐scale photovoltaic (PV) park development. However, PV panels alter surface microclimates and soil water–salt dynamics, thus affecting native salt‐tolerant vegetation and the linking mechanisms between these factors remain unclear. This study examined a large fixed‐tilt PV park in the Yellow River Delta, China, focusing on the mechanisms driving spatial variations in microclimate, soil properties and the physiological–morphological traits of Phragmites australis , a dominant salt‐tolerant species. Four PV functional zones and a control zone were set, with samples collected in winter, spring and summer to measure microclimate, soil physicochemical properties and the indicators of P. australis . Results showed fixed‐tilt PV panels created significant microclimate heterogeneity, with a maximum ~5°C cooling effect and higher humidity in the rear under‐panel sub‐zone. PV zones had higher soil moisture and pH than the control, with peak moisture in the inter‐panel zone and maximum salinity in the post‐panel zone. PV panels significantly inhibited P. australis growth, with chlorophyll contents showing a light‐dependent pattern and leaf morphologies adapting to light–salt gradients. Soil moisture promoted vegetative growth but inhibited reproduction, while salinity inhibited chlorophyll synthesis and leaf development. This study reveals a ‘PV panel – microclimate – soil – plant’ relationship in coastal saline–alkaline PV parks, provides a new spatial response cognition of plants for ‘PV + ecological restoration’ in marginal saline lands.