Commercial growers of hydroponic culinary herbs often use liquid nutrient solutions to maximize crop yields. These solutions contain essential mineral nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The table below shows the yields of four herb crops (expressed as a percentage of the maximum yield obtained with a complete nutrient solution containing all minerals) when one of the three major nutrients is missing from the solution.
| Herb | Missing Nitrogen | Missing Phosphorus | Missing Potassium | Complete Nutrient Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 35 | 78 | 65 | 100 |
| Coriander | 48 | 80 | 58 | 100 |
| Mint | 40 | 72 | 70 | 100 |
| Oregano | 52 | 65 | 74 | 100 |
State the mineral nutrient that has the greatest overall effect on reducing crop yield when it is missing from the solution.
Explain why this nutrient has such a significant effect on plant growth and yield.
Based on the table, which crop is most affected by the lack of potassium?
A grower cultivated another batch of Coriander. With the complete nutrient solution, the maximum yield obtained was 12.5 kg per m212.5\text{ kg per m}^212.5 kg per m2. When grown in a solution missing nitrogen, the yield was 6.0 kg per m26.0\text{ kg per m}^26.0 kg per m2.
Calculate the yield of this Coriander crop missing nitrogen as a percentage of the maximum yield. Show your working.
