Tomatoes are growing in an automated hydroponic system. the light, micronutrient concentrations, and aeration have been tested and optimized. there are air and nutrient filtration systems in place to prevent contamination. a technician adds nutrient solution and leaves the system to circulate automatically for the next several months. at first, everything looks great. then, after a couple of months, the tips of the older leaves at the bottom of the plant start to turn yellow-green. growth slows. eventually, the plants die. what do you think is the likely cause of this problem? a. the plants probably died due to calcium deficiency.
b. it was likely a nitrogen shortage because the hydroponics solution is circulating automatically and has not been replenished over the last several months. also, plants need more nitrogen than the other nutrients in the solution. thus, it would be likely that nitrogen would be the first to be depleted.
c. the plants did not get enough sunlight.
d. the plants probably died due to micronutrient deficiency.