Soil Fertility

Question 1

By which processes do plant roots absorb nutrients?

Answer 1

Mass flow, diffusion, and root interception

Question 2

Define mineralization

Answer 2

Conversion of organic material to inorganic nutrient forms (ie. when organic matter is decomposed by soil microorganisms to release nutrients).

Question 3

Immobilization

Answer 3

When nutrients are held up in organic matter and not available to the plant.

Question 4

Uptake antagonism

Answer 4

When ions of the same charge compete for plant uptake

Question 5

Describe mass flow

Answer 5

Mass flow is when a nutrient moves to a plant root with the water absorbed by the plant (N, Ca, and Mg)

Question 6

Describe Diffusion

Answer 6

Movement of a nutrient to a plant root due to a concentration gradient between the soil solution and the root surface. (P and K)