The principle of limiting factors was proposed by

The principle of limiting factors was proposed by Blackman in 1905.
The principle of limiting factors says that the maximum obtainable rate of photosynthesis is limited by whichever basic resource of plant growth is in the least supply. The availability of energy and moisture varies geographically.
Although the process of photosynthesis is affected by more than one factor, its rate will be determined by the factor which is in the least supply.