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 reduce fungal activity, which decreases the decomposition rate as fungi play a key role in breaking down organic matter. With less decomposition, more organic matter remains, potentially increasing net ecosystem production (NEP) as more carbon is retained in the ecosystem.

If You Applied a Fungicide to a Cornfield, What Would