In potatoes this results in small underground tubers. Flowering and formation of seeds is prevented in some species under conditions of excess nitrogen. Phosphorus Phosphorus is second to nitrogen in its limiting capacity in soil. 2- is favored above pH 7. Phosphate defecient plants are stunted, and in contrast to nitrogen defiecient plants, are dark green in color.
Anthocyanin pigments accumulate in the leaves.
Phosphate is an essential part of many sugar phosphates involved in photosynthesis, respiration , and other metabolic functions. It is also a part of nucleotides, ATP, ADP, AMP, and in the lipids of the cell membrane. Potassium Third most limiting nutrient. Because of the importance of these three elements, commercial fertilizers list the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they contain. In dicots, defieient plants develop slightly chlorotic, dark necrotic lesions.