Answer to Question #115826 in Ecology for Cesca

Question

Using this estimate, the energy of the cabbage field was calculated as 15,600 kJ m-2. Does this represent the gross or net primary production? Give a reason for your answer.

Answer 1

Net primary production

Cabbage are autotrophs that produce net useful chemical energy through photosynthesis. The process accounts for gross primary production(GPP). Some of the energy is used during respiration remaining with the amount of biomass useful for the consumer. Net primary production is estimated as gross primary production minus respiration.

NPP = (GPP - respiration)