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How to Calculate Net Primary Productivity

What is Net Primary Productivity?

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the rate at which plants produce organic matter through photosynthesis minus the carbon they use in their own respiration. NPP = GPP − Ra.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1NPP = GPP − Ra (autotrophic respiration)
  2. 2In gC/m²/year or kcal/m²/year

Worked Examples

Input
Tropical rainforest GPP 7000 · Ra 3500
Result
NPP = 3,500 gC/m²/yr
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