1. 323.T1 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements In order to grow well, plants must have basic needs met. These are: –Proper temperature –Light quality, intensity, & duration –Moisture –Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) –Sixteen essential nutrients –Oxygen for respiration

2. 323.T2 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Temperature Photosynthesis increases as the temperature increases. The plant’s uptake of minerals and water are effected by temperature. Plants have an optimum temperature for growth and development.

3. 323.T3 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Temperature, (cont’d.) Plants have a minimum temperature below which they cannot live. High temperatures may dry out plants. Plants should be chosen for the climatic conditions of the area.

4. 323.T4 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Light Quality: Plants require white light or sunlight. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light and reflects green light. Intensity: Intense light provides sufficient energy for photosynthesis to occur.

5. 323.T5 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Light (cont’d.) Duration: Different plants require different exposure times to light in order to be productive. Photoperiod is the length of time that the plant needs light.

6. 323.T6 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Moisture Soil moisture carries minerals and nutrients from the soil into the plant via the xylem. Water is used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis. Turgor is the pressure which allows the plant to stand erect, is provided by water within the cell.

7. 323.T7 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Moisture (cont’d.) Water cools the plant via transpiration. Water moves (translocates) products that are produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to the rest of the plant via the phloem.

8. 323.T8 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Carbon Dioxide is absorbed through the stomata. It is used in photosynthesis to produce sugars for the plant.

9. 323.T9 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Essential Nutrients Primary –Nitrogen (N) –Potassium (K) –Phosphorus (P) Secondary –Calcium (Ca) –Sulphur (S) –Magnesium (Mg)

10. 323.T10 Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: Supplement University of California, Davis Plant Growth Requirements Essential Nutrients Trace Elements –Manganese (Mn) –Iron (Fe) –Copper (Cu) –Chlorine (Cl) –Boron (B) –Molybdenum (Mo) Atmospheric Nutrients –Carbon (C) –Hydrogen (H) –Oxygen (O)