The amount of sun energy trapped by plants is:

[amp_mcq option1=”1 % – 3 %” option2=”12 % – 15 %” option3=”17 % – 20 %” option4=”23 % – 26 %” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2020

The efficiency of plants in converting solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis is relatively low, typically ranging from 1% to 3% of the incident solar radiation that reaches the plant’s surface over a growing season.

Most of the solar energy incident on a plant is not used for photosynthesis; it is reflected, transmitted, or dissipated as heat. Only a small fraction is converted into biomass.

While theoretical maximum efficiencies can be higher under ideal conditions, actual net photosynthetic efficiency in ecosystems is limited by factors like light intensity, CO2 concentration, temperature, water availability, nutrient status, and respiration losses. Agricultural crops might achieve slightly higher efficiencies under optimized conditions, but 1-3% is a commonly cited range for overall ecosystem efficiency.

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