Nutrient use efficiency
noun phrasePronunciation: /ˈnjuːtriənt juːz ɪˈfɪʃənsi/
The ratio of crop yield or biomass production to nutrient input, indicating how effectively plants acquire and utilize minerals under limiting conditions. This metric encompasses both nutrient acquisition efficiency and nutrient utilization efficiency.
Plain English
How much growth a plant produces from the nutrients available to it under stressful conditions.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Nitrogen use efficiency declines significantly under waterlogging stress due to reduced root nutrient uptake capacity."
Style guide notes: Specify nutrient type (NUE, PUE, KUE) and calculation basis (yield, biomass) in technical reporting.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How does drought affect nutrient use efficiency?
Reduced water availability limits nutrient diffusion and root absorption, decreasing overall nutrient use efficiency.
Which nutrients show greatest efficiency variation under stress?
Nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency typically varies most among genotypes under abiotic stress conditions.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Essential breeding and agronomic trait in stress tolerance programs evaluating resource acquisition under limitations.
Required skill level: Mid