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) neither would change
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, which are key decomposers in ecosystems. By reducing fungal populations, the decomposition rate would decrease. This slowdown in decomposition means less organic matter is broken down, potentially leading to more carbon storage and thus an increase in net ecosystem production (NEP), as less carbon is released back into the atmosphere.

If You Applied a Fungicide to a Cornfield, What Would