When plants die, what happen to carbon dioxide?
They would be more co2 or less?
When plants die, the fate of the carbon dioxide (CO2) they have stored depends on the specific conditions under which they decompose. There are two main scenarios:
1. Decomposition in the presence of oxygen: In this case, when plants die and decompose, microorganisms consume the dead plant material for energy. As a result, the organic matter is broken down through a process called aerobic respiration, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Therefore, in this scenario, the decomposition of plants would lead to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
2. Decomposition in the absence of oxygen: If the dead plant material is in a wet or waterlogged environment, such as a swamp or bog, it can undergo decomposition without the presence of oxygen. This scenario is called anaerobic decomposition, and it leads to the formation of peat, a carbon-rich substance. Under certain conditions over long periods of time, peat can transform into coal or oil, preserving the carbon within the Earth and removing it from the atmosphere. Therefore, in this case, the decomposition of plants could potentially decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
It is important to note that while the decomposition of plants results in the release of carbon dioxide, living plants actively take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, acting as a carbon sink. This process helps to balance the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.