Current Agriculture: Factors affecting plant growth

The genotype of the plant affects its growth; the factors affecting plant growth can be classified as genetic or environmental factor.

Genetic Factor

Field crops are determined by the genes of the plant. A large part of the increase of field crop over the years has been due to hybrids and improved varieties. Other characteristics such as quality, disease resistance, drought hardiness are determined by their genetic makeup.
Nursery crops and turf-Not interested in total growth as much as appearance.
Variety and Plant Nutrient needs- As potential crop yields are increased, the plant nutrients required are also increased as well.
A producer can control the genetic factor by his own choice of variety field crop at his disposal.

Environmental Factors

Growth is also determined by environmental factors. Listed below are the most regarded in terms of importance in environmental factors affection plant growth such as temperature, moisture supply, radiant energy and composition of atmosphere.

Temperature

This is the measurement of the intensity of heat. Plant growth occurs in a fairly narrow range of 60 - 100 degrees F. Temperature directly affects photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration (loss of water).

Moisture supply

Moisture supply in plant growth restricts low and high levels of soil moisture. It can be regulated with drainage and irrigation, and good soil moisture improves nutrient uptake. Fertilizer is not used efficiently if moisture is a limiting factor.

Radiant energy

Quality, intensity and duration of light are important; the quality of radiant energy can’t be regulated on a field scale (feasible on specialty crops). Intensity of light is an important factor in radiant energy, photosynthesis light intensity, while in duration (photoperiodism), the plant adjust in relation to day length.

Composition of the atmosphere

CO₂ makes up 0.03 per cent of air by volume. Photosynthesis converts CO₂ to organic material in the plant. CO₂ is returned to atmosphere by respiration and decomposition. Increasing CO₂ can increase crop yields respiration of plants and animals, decomposition of manure or plant residue may release CO_2.