What does Net Primary Productivity (NPP) represent?

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) represents the biomass remaining after respiration losses in producers, making it a crucial concept in understanding energy flow in ecosystems. In ecological terms, NPP is calculated by taking the Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)—the total amount of energy captured by photosynthesis—and subtracting the energy that is lost through respiration by the producers themselves. This remaining biomass is available for growth and reproduction and can be utilized by other trophic levels, such as herbivores and decomposers.

By focusing on the biomass that is left over, NPP gives an essential indication of the energy available for the entire ecosystem's productivity and contains critical information about the health and functioning of an environment. Understanding NPP helps ecologists assess the efficiency of different ecosystems in converting solar energy into organic material, which is vital for various applications, including conservation efforts and resource management.