Soil Science: Root Growth and Nutrient Uptake

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What is the primary source of energy for nutrient uptake in roots?

Decomposition of organic matter

Respiration in the presence of oxygen (correct)

Photosynthesis

Root interception

In the absence of oxygen, which type of nutrient uptake would occur?

Passive uptake (correct)

Facilitated uptake

Osmosis

Active uptake

Why is it necessary for roots to maintain electroneutrality?

To promote mycorrhizal association

To maintain ion balance (correct)

To prevent water uptake

To reduce soil pH

The availability of nutrients to plants is influenced by which of the following factors?

Intensity, capacity, and rate of change Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most important for the day-to-day nutrient requirement of a crop?

Intensity factor Signup and view all the answers

For the next crop, which factor is most important for soil nutrient availability?

Capacity factor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transport of nutrients such as Ca, Mg, P, and K in the soil solution?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mycorrhizal fungi in root interception?

Enhance root exploration into the soil Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum concentration of P in the soil solution?

1 ppm Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrients are most significantly affected by root interception?

Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn Signup and view all the answers

What determines the quantity of nutrients intercepted by roots?

Soil concentration of nutrients and volume of soil displaced by the root system Signup and view all the answers

How does root surface area affect root interception?

Increases the amount of nutrients intercepted Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of soil volume do roots typically occupy?

Less than 1% to 2% Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor for root interception to occur?

Root growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of water uptake in plants?

Transpiration pull Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when ions are taken up by a cell against a concentration gradient?

Active uptake Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which ions flow from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of nitrogen absorbed by plant roots through mass flow?

0% Signup and view all the answers