6.3B Ocean & Terrestrial Photosynthesis

• Ocean & Terrestrial Photosynthesis

  • The carbon cycle is dependent on ocean and terrestrial photosynthesis in regulating the composition of the atmosphere
  • Plants photosynthesising play a vital role in helping to keep carbon dioxide levels relatively constant thus helping to regulate average global temperatures
  • As a result, patterns in plant productivity and carbon density are evident 
  • Highest productivity NPP occurs either in warm and wet regions such as the tropical rainforest or in shallow ocean waters
• Soil Health:

  -> Soil health relies on the amount of organic carbon stored in the soil which is dependent on:

  • The inputs - plant and animal residues and nutrients
  • The outputs - decomposition, erosion and use in plant and animal productivity
• • Carbon, within soil organic matter, helps provide soil with its water retention capacity, its structure and fertility
  • Soil erosion is a major threat to carbon storage and soil health as organic carbon is mainly found in the surface soil layer