Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

At which growth stage do plants have the greatest nutrient demand?

1. Reproductive

2. Vegetative

3. Germination

4. Flowering

The correct answer is: Vegetative

The vegetative growth stage is recognized as the period when plants exhibit their greatest nutrient demand. During this stage, plants focus on establishing a robust root system, developing stems, and producing leaves, all of which are essential for the plant's overall health and future productivity. High nutrient uptake is critical at this time to support rapid growth and ensure adequate resources for the processes of photosynthesis and energy production. While the reproductive and flowering stages are also important phases where nutrient demand is significant, the foundational growth established during the vegetative stage sets the stage for these later phases. If the plant does not receive sufficient nutrients during the vegetative phase, it may not have the necessary resources to effectively enter and progress through reproductive growth stages. Germination, while crucial for establishing a plant, is generally less demanding in terms of nutrient needs compared to the vegetative phase, which is characterized by intensive growth and nutrient absorption.