Q37.1-1CC - Campbell Biology

Question

Explain how the phrase “too much of a good thing” can apply to watering and fertilizing plants.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The harmful effects of watering and providing excessive nutrient supply to plants by using fertilizer define the meaning of the phrase “too much of a good thing” concerning plants.

Step 1: Plants

The multi-celled living thing that grows in the desert, on land, mountains tops, and in oceans requires sunlight, water, and air to make its food is called a plant.

Various properties of plants are pollination, photosynthesis, and having cell wall (cellulose), roots, stem, and leaves.

The different functions of plants are renewing air, providing shelter for wildlife, food source, and producing oxygen.

Step 2: Fertilizer

The inorganic salt containing plant nutrients or chemical elements, such as nitrogen and phosphorus that restores soil fertility, is called fertilizer.

The several benefits of fertilizer are increasing crop yield, less price, less soil erosion, enhanced plant growth, and enough nutrient supply required by plants.

Step 3: “too much of a good thing”

The effects of the excessive amount of fertilizing plants are soil salinization, water pollution, plant death, weakening of plant leaves, and vulnerability of plants towards diseases and pests.

The limited oxygen supply in the air pockets or roots deprived of oxygen is the effect of too much watering in plants.