Multiple Choice
Which soil horizon is typically richest in organic material and is most affected by climate variations?
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35. Soil
Soil and Nutrients
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In the context of soil fertility, what is meant by a limiting nutrient for plant growth?
A
A nutrient in shortest supply relative to plant demand that restricts growth even if other nutrients are abundant
B
A nutrient that increases plant growth regardless of its concentration in the soil
C
Any nutrient that is toxic to plants at low concentrations and therefore prevents growth
D
A nutrient that plants never need because it is always supplied by the atmosphere
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of nutrients in soil that are essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Recognize that plants require these nutrients in certain amounts to grow properly, and that a deficiency in any one essential nutrient can limit growth.
Define a limiting nutrient as the nutrient that is in the shortest supply relative to the plant's needs, meaning it restricts growth even if other nutrients are abundant.
Contrast this with nutrients that are abundant or non-limiting, which do not restrict growth because they are available in sufficient quantities.
Conclude that the limiting nutrient is the key factor controlling plant growth because its scarcity prevents the plant from reaching its full growth potential.
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