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No. 3 (2026)

Ground-mounted photovoltaic plants and the occupation of high-quality agricultural soils: The case of Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

  • Maria Antonietta Clerici
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/rgioa3-2026oa23545
Submitted
agosto 26, 2026
Published
2026-10-05

Abstract

This study examines the diffusion of ground-mounted photovoltaic plants (IF-T, impianti fotovoltaici a terra) in the agricultural areas of Emilia-Romagna, a region with a strong agri-food vocation in northern Italy. The analysis focuses not only on the spatial extent of plants, but above all on the quality of the soils affected, assessed using the regional land capability map (USDA classification). Data on the location of IF-T in 2025 are integrated in a GIS environment with information on previous land uses and land capability to evaluate the degree to which class I and II soils – the most valuable agricultural land – are occupied. The results show a marked presence of small plant installations in the plains and intensive use of the best soils, especially in intermediate municipalities. The study highlights the limitations of siting criteria based solely on distance thresholds and sectoral protection measures, and suggests introducing a pedological criterion into the designation of suitable areas for IF-T to reconcile the energy
transition with the protection of soil capital.

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