The plant nutrient when supplied in excess prolongs the growing period and delays crop maturity:

Correct option is C

Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth, but its excess delays the reproductive phase and crop maturity as plants focus on leaf and stem growth instead.
· Phosphorus promotes root development and maturity.
· Potassium enhances fruiting and flowering.
· Iron is a micronutrient, necessary for chlorophyll formation, but it does not significantly influence crop maturity.