Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the amount of energy that plants in an ecosystem produce through photosynthesis after subtracting the energy they use for their own growth and maintenance. It represents the net amount of organic material available for herbivores, decomposers, and other consumers. Essentially, NPP measures how much plant material is "net" gained in an environment, reflecting the productivity of an ecosystem and its capacity to support other life forms. It is a key indicator of the health and vitality of ecosystems and their ability to store carbon.