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In order to grow, plants need light, heat, mechanical support, air, water, and nutrients. These are called growth factors. The level of growth cannot be greater than that allowed by the most limiting growth factor. In the Prairie region, growth is most often limited by water. That is why irrigation almost always increases yields. After water, plant nutrients are most likely to be limiting factors.
The information below provides information on the impact of plant nutrients on water quality and how the careful management of nutrient inputs can mean economic efficiency for producers and improved water quality for others.
What are plant nutrients?
Plant nutrients are comprised of the fourteen essential elements that plants obtain from the soil. Some are required in relatively large quantities. Others are needed only in very small amounts. In soils, the nutrients most likely to be limiting are nitrogen and phosphorus. When soil nutrients cannot produce a good crop yield, additional nutrients must be added. Applying too little nutrient will limit yield. Applying too much does not make economic sense and can harm the environment.
The information below provides information on the impact of plant nutrients on water quality and how the careful management of nutrient inputs can mean economic efficiency for producers and improved water quality for others.
What are plant nutrients?
Plant nutrients are comprised of the fourteen essential elements that plants obtain from the soil. Some are required in relatively large quantities. Others are needed only in very small amounts. In soils, the nutrients most likely to be limiting are nitrogen and phosphorus. When soil nutrients cannot produce a good crop yield, additional nutrients must be added. Applying too little nutrient will limit yield. Applying too much does not make economic sense and can harm the environment.
Summary
The summary provides information on the impact of plant nutrients on water quality and how the careful management of nutrient inputs can mean economic efficiency for producers and improved water quality for others.
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