Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

What happens to seedlings when the soil lacks sufficient moisture?

1. They thrive and grow quickly

2. They exhibit stunted growth

3. They germinate faster

4. They undergo rapid root development

The correct answer is: They exhibit stunted growth

When seedlings are subjected to soil that lacks sufficient moisture, they exhibit stunted growth. This occurs because water is essential for various physiological processes in plants, including nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and maintaining turgor pressure within cells. Without adequate moisture, seedlings are unable to absorb the nutrients they need from the soil, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. This stress inhibits their growth and can result in smaller plants with reduced vigor. In contrast, while some might consider other options, such as rapid root development or quicker germination, these processes are heavily dependent on adequate moisture levels. Lack of water does not promote healthy development; instead, it leads to stress responses in the plant, causing them to halt growth or develop poorly. Thus, the correct understanding of seedling response to insufficient moisture is clearly that it leads to stunted growth.