Nutrient Uptake

Question 1

What type of particles hold cations in soil?

Answer 1

Negatively charged clay particles

Cations include ions such as K⁺ and Mg²⁺.

Question 2

What process occurs when root respiration releases CO₂?

Answer 2

Forms carbonic acid which releases H⁺ ions

H⁺ ions knock off cations from soil particles into solution.

Question 3

How do nutrients enter the root?

Answer 3

Via osmosis or active transport

Question 4

What is Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)?

Answer 4

The ability of soil to hold cations

Question 5

Which type of soil has a high CEC?

Answer 5

Clay soils

Question 6

Which type of soil has a low CEC?

Answer 6

Sandy soils

Question 7

What effect does compacted or waterlogged soil have on nutrient uptake?

Answer 7

Less oxygen leads to less respiration and less nutrient uptake