Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the knowledge of nutrient deficiency symptoms in plants.
Each nutrient plays a specific role, and its deficiency manifests in characteristic ways.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Nitrogen (A):
Deficiency causes yellowing or chlorosis of leaves (III) because nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll.
Phosphorus (B):
Deficiency causes bluish-green to reddish colour leaves (I) due to accumulation of anthocyanin pigments.
Potassium (C):
Deficiency causes slow and stunted growth with weak stalk (IV) as potassium is essential for enzyme activation and water regulation.
Calcium (D):
Deficiency causes small, distorted, cup-shaped, crinkled and dark green leaves (II) because calcium is crucial for cell wall formation and membrane integrity.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the correct matching is A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II, which corresponds to option (C).
[0.5cm]