Alternative Vegetative Cover Strategies can benefit both Landowners and Solar Developers

July 7, 2021
Forage as Vegetative Cover

A new fact sheet, Forage as Vegetative Cover for Utility-Scale Solar in Ohio, informs utility-scale solar developers and landowners about alternative vegetative cover strategies, including forage crops, that are environmentally conscious and that can benefit both the landowner and the solar developer over the project lifecycle.

Specifically, the fact sheet summarizes common vegetative cover strategies and describes how cool-season forage crops can provide the greatest environmental, social, and economic benefit.

Finally, the requirements of utility-scale solar vegetative cover, species selection, establishment, and site maintenance are summarized.

Click on the title above to view the publication on Ohioline. Authors are:

  • Christine Gelley, educator, agriculture and natural resources, OSU Extension-Noble County
  • James Morris, educator, agriculture and natural resources/community development, OSU Extension-Brown County
  • Eric Romich, associate professor and field specialist, energy development, community development, OSU Extension

Ohioline is an information resource produced by Ohio State University Extension. Through Ohioline, you have access to hundreds of OSU Extension fact sheets covering a wide array of subjects such as agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, and 4-H youth development.