Title: Describe the relationship among temperature, light, air, soil/substrate, water, and nutrients required for plant growth.
Course: Foundations of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (18001-I) > Section: Investigating Basic Scientific Skills and Principles in Plant Science

Description should include the roles of

- optimal growing temperature and USDA plant hardiness zones
- natural and artificial light
- gas exchange
- soil components and physical properties (e.g., soil triangle, soil horizons)
- growing media/substrate
- organic vs. inorganic fertilizer
- water quantity and quality
- macronutrients and micronutrients, deficiencies, and toxicity.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does photoperiod affect plants?
- How does soil fertility affect plant production?
- What are the soil horizons?
- What are the different growing media for plants?
- What would happen to a plant if one of the growing requirements were lacking?
- How does the USDA plant hardiness zone affect what can be grown locally?
- What are the symptoms of nutrient deficiency?
- How can a nutrient deficiency be treated?
- What environmental factors can cause negative plant performance?