FFA Horticulture CDE General Practice Exam

Which nutrient deficiency would most likely cause stunted growth in plants?

1. Calcium

2. Nitrogen

3. Potassium

4. Magnesium

The correct answer is: Nitrogen

Nitrogen deficiency is a well-known cause of stunted growth in plants. Nitrogen is a crucial component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It also forms a part of nucleic acids, which are essential for cell division and growth. When plants lack sufficient nitrogen, they cannot produce enough chlorophyll, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall energy production. As a result of limited photosynthesis, plants often exhibit stunted growth, yellowing of older leaves (known as chlorosis), and poor overall vigor. The plant focuses its resources on survival rather than growth, leading to smaller size and lower yields. While calcium, potassium, and magnesium deficiencies can impact growth and vigor as well, they typically manifest through different symptoms, such as poor root development, leaf tip burn, or interveinal chlorosis, rather than the generalized stunted growth that nitrogen deficiency causes. Thus, nitrogen plays a more direct role in overall growth and development, making its deficiency the primary cause of stunted growth in plants.