Nutrient use efficiency index
nounPronunciation: /ˈnjuːtriənt juːs ɪˈfɪʃənsi ˈɪndɛks/
A quantitative measure of how effectively plants utilize absorbed nutrients for biomass production or grain yield under nutrient-limited or stress conditions. The index relates dry matter accumulation or economic yield to the total amount of nutrient present in plant tissues.
Plain English
A measure of how well plants convert absorbed nutrients into growth or crop production under limited nutrient availability.
Etymology & History
Usage
"Breeding programs selected for high nutrient use efficiency indices to develop crop varieties that maintain productivity in low-nutrient soils."
Style guide notes: Always specify which nutrient and which biomass measure is used when reporting nutrient use efficiency values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is nutrient use efficiency important in agriculture?
High nutrient use efficiency reduces fertilizer requirements, decreasing costs and environmental pollution while maintaining crop productivity.
How is nutrient use efficiency calculated?
It is typically calculated as the ratio of total dry biomass or grain yield produced to the total nutrient content in plant tissues.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Commonly assessed in agronomy and crop physiology examinations addressing sustainable nutrient management.
Required skill level: Mid