Use or appropriation of photosynthate (pt 3)
... estimates based on land use, consumption and loss of use

NPP co-opted

From Part 2

40.6 Pg

Decreased NPP associated w/ agriculture (note 1)

9.0 Pg

Conversion of forests to pastures (note 2)

1.4 Pg

Desertification - loss of all NPP

4.5Pg

Loss to human areas (paving, malls etc.)

2.6 Pg


Aquatic ecosystems

2.0 Pg

Total

58.1 Pg

from Vitousek et al. 1986. Human appropriation of the products of photosynthesis. BioScience 36: 368-373
Note 1: Agricultural lands have a lower NPP than natural lands.
Note 2: Pastures have a lower NPP than forests.


Summary: This total represents almost 39% of all terrestrial NPP co-opted or lost in association with human activities, and almost 25% of the combined aquatic and terrestrial NPP. The aquatic productivity consumed represents at least the maximum sustainable harvest from the oceans.