If you applied a fungicide to a cornfield, what would you expect to happen to the rate of decomposition and net ecosystem production (NEP)?
A) Both decomposition rate and NEP would decrease.
B) Both decomposition rate and NEP would increase.
C) Decomposition rate would increase and NEP would decrease.
D) Decomposition rate would decrease and NEP would increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fungicides target fungi, many of which are decomposers that break down organic matter. By reducing fungal populations, the decomposition rate would decrease. This could lead to more organic material being retained within the ecosystem, potentially increasing the net ecosystem production (NEP) as more carbon is stored in biomass rather than being released through decomposition.

If You Applied a Fungicide to a Cornfield, What Would