If fungicide is applied to a cornfield, what would you expect to happen to the rate of decomposition and net ecosystem production (NEP)?
(a) Both decomposition and NEP would decrese
(b) Both decomposition and NEP would increase
(c) Neither would change
(d) Decomposition rate would decrease and NEP would increase
Dear student.
The correct answer is d. Decomposition rate would decrease and NEP would increase.
Decomposition rate will decrease as fungicide will kill different fungi present in ecosystem, and we know fungi are essential decomposers. As decomposition rate will decrease it will lead to increase in organic carbon in an ecosystem, which will ultimately increase the Net ecosystem production (NEP). NEP= gross primary production - total ecosystem respiration.
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The correct answer is d. Decomposition rate would decrease and NEP would increase.
Decomposition rate will decrease as fungicide will kill different fungi present in ecosystem, and we know fungi are essential decomposers. As decomposition rate will decrease it will lead to increase in organic carbon in an ecosystem, which will ultimately increase the Net ecosystem production (NEP). NEP= gross primary production - total ecosystem respiration.
Hope this information will clear your doubts about the topic.
If you have any more doubts just ask here on the forum and our experts will try to help you out as soon as possible.
Regards.