Question

PLEASE HELP! I need this done before twelve tonight.
Explain how a nutrient can be a limiting factor in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

If a nutrient is in short supply it will be the first factor to limit the population growth and reduce the habitat's carrying capacity.
Nutrient within the ecosystem is very essential in order to activate the system. The growing tissue of the organisms within the ecosystem need nutrients to build up their cells and tissues to continue their living process.

Answer 2

If a nutrient is short in supply, it will limit the organisms growth.

Nitrogen is a rate limiting nutrient for plants along with phosphorous and potassium. This is why fertilizer tells you the NPK it supplies.