Flowers: Carbon Source or Carbon Sink
There are flowers in the world, which are nurtured in nature. Their metabolism of carbon is related to ecology. People often investigate: Are flowers a carbon source or a carbon sink?

When flowers grow, they perform photosynthesis. During the day, the chloroplast of their leaves borrows light energy, absorbs carbon dioxide, and phases with water to produce organic matter and release oxygen. This is the wonder of photosynthesis. Through this process, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enters the flower body and is stored in the form of carbohydrates. When flowers grow, they often act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon and storing it, reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and slowing down the greenhouse effect.

However, when flowers wither and rot, feelings may change. Its organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms, and part of the carbon is returned to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. If the decomposition is fast and the amount of carbon released is large, flowers can become carbon sources locally or at some time.

And flower cultivation and transportation also involve carbon emissions. Cultivation fertilizers, irrigation energy consumption, and transportation require fuel, all of which cause carbon emissions. If this energy consumption is not well managed, the overall carbon emissions of the flower industry will increase, affecting the properties of flower carbon sources or carbon sinks.

To be sure, flowers are usually carbon sinks, which play a great role in carbon sequestration. However, different stages of their life cycle and industry-related activities affect their carbon sources or carbon sinks. Only by taking good care of flower cultivation, reducing energy consumption and controlling carbon emissions can we increase its carbon sink, promote ecological balance, and benefit nature and human beings.