production/respiration ratio (P/R ratio) The relationship between gross production and total community respiration. Where P/R = 1 a steady-state community results. This balance may be an instantaneous daily one (e.g. in tropical rain-forest communities), or over a longer period (e.g. in temperate woodlands). If P/R is persistently greater or less than 1, then organic matter either accumulates or is depleted respectively.

production/respiration ratio (P/R ratio) The relationship between gross production and total community respiration. Where P/R = 1 a steady-state community results. If P/R is persistently greater or less than 1 then organic matter either accumulates or is depleted respectively.