Temperature: Dandelions are cool-season plants that grow best in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. When temperatures are too high or too low, dandelion growth can be stunted or even halted.
Sunlight: Dandelions require full sunlight to grow properly. If they are not receiving enough sunlight, their growth will be slow and they may not produce flowers or seeds.
Water: Dandelions need a moderate amount of water to grow. If the soil is too dry, dandelion growth will be slow. If the soil is too wet, dandelions may become waterlogged and die.
Soil pH: Dandelions grow best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil pH is too acidic or too alkaline, dandelion growth may be stunted.
Soil nutrients: Dandelions require a variety of nutrients to grow properly, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If the soil is deficient in any of these nutrients, dandelion growth may be stunted.
Other nonliving factors: Dandelions can also be affected by other nonliving factors, such as wind, snow, ice, and hail. These factors can damage dandelion plants and reduce their growth.
By understanding the nonliving features of an ecosystem and how they can influence dandelion growth, it is possible to manage these features to promote or discourage dandelion growth as desired.