Increasing daily net primary productivity per unit leaf area is represented as deserts below temperate forests below tropical forests. Desert leaves face severe water limitation, stomatal closure, heat, and short favourable periods. Temperate forests have seasonal constraints, whereas tropical forests generally experience warm temperatures and long growing seasons with ample rainfall. Leaf-level productivity is distinct from total ecosystem productivity, which also depends on leaf area and standing biomass. Reliable inference requires the complete experimental design, definitions, units, and s
Ref:
Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, Begon et al., 5th Ed., Ch. 17-19