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this is so confusing, somebody HELP

'Lack of available nutrients can slow the rate of photosynthesis and growth. cop rotation (growing a different crop in each field on a rotational cycle) can help. Including a nitrogen fixing crop, like peas or beans, in that cycle replenishes levels of nitrates in the soul. Many field crops have been bred to be responsive to high levels of fertilizer.'

What on earth does the last sentence in bold even mean? :confused:
Reply 1
Avatar for Eloades11
Eloades11
17
Original post by celina10
'Lack of available nutrients can slow the rate of photosynthesis and growth. cop rotation (growing a different crop in each field on a rotational cycle) can help. Including a nitrogen fixing crop, like peas or beans, in that cycle replenishes levels of nitrates in the soul. Many field crops have been bred to be responsive to high levels of fertilizer.'

What on earth does the last sentence in bold even mean? :confused:


It means the crops which grow better as more fertilizer is added have often been the ones chosen to breed and continue growth on the farms. This means the crops which grow more than others in the presence of high levels of fertilizer have been selected. These crops are selected based on their superior growth. Does this make sense?
Original post by Eloades11
It means the crops which grow better as more fertilizer is added have often been the ones chosen to breed and continue growth on the farms. This means the crops which grow more than others in the presence of high levels of fertilizer have been selected. These crops are selected based on their superior growth. Does this make sense?


But wouldn't it be better to chose crops that grow when there's less fertilizer? Or did the crops they chose just happen to grow better when there's more fertilizer, even though they've been chose for other characteristics?
Reply 3
Avatar for Eloades11
Eloades11
17
Original post by celina10
But wouldn't it be better to chose crops that grow when there's less fertilizer? Or did the crops they chose just happen to grow better when there's more fertilizer, even though they've been chose for other characteristics?


Arguable, the farmers make more money from crops that grow quicker, and fertilizer does cost money so there is conflict. The crops are chosen because they grow faster as more fertilizer is applied, so we're assuming this farmer wants the fastest growing crops and applies a lot of fertilizer :smile:
Original post by Eloades11
Arguable, the farmers make more money from crops that grow quicker, and fertilizer does cost money so there is conflict. The crops are chosen because they grow faster as more fertilizer is applied, so we're assuming this farmer wants the fastest growing crops and applies a lot of fertilizer :smile:


I get it, so perhaps the plants that do survive when there aren't nitrates just don't go as fast as the ones that do, and the growth of the ones who do could also be controlled and enhanced more easily by adding more nitrates. Could this be a possibility? Thank you for answering by the way, I really appreciate it. :smile:

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