Plants obtain nutrients from the air, water, and soil. The majority of essential nutrients are found in the soil, where they are dissolved in water and absorbed by the plant’s roots. Additionally, plants get carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen from the air and water.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Soil:
The primary source of nutrients for plants. Thirteen of the sixteen essential nutrients are obtained from the soil.
Water:
Plants absorb water through their roots, and this water carries dissolved nutrients into the plant.
Air:
Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air, which they use in photosynthesis to produce their own food.
Roots:
The plant’s roots play a crucial role in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
Leaves:
Leaves can also absorb some nutrients, particularly through foliar feeding, where liquid fertilizers are sprayed directly onto the leaves.
Mycorrhizae:
Some plants have a symbiotic relationship with fungi called mycorrhizae, which help them absorb nutrients from the soil.