Net Primary Production

Net Primary Production (NPP) is the total amount of energy that plants in an ecosystem accumulate through photosynthesis after accounting for the energy they use for their own growth and maintenance. It represents the energy available to herbivores and other organisms within that environment. Essentially, NPP measures how much plant material is produced that can support other life forms, forming the foundation of the food chain. Factors like sunlight, water, temperature, and nutrient availability influence NPP, making it a key indicator of an ecosystem’s productivity and health.