Question: Which plant nutrient moves from soil to the roots by root interception, mass flow, and diffusion in equal proportion?
Options:
Zinc
Boron
Sulfur
Calcium
✏️Zinc is unique among the listed nutrients because it moves to the roots in relatively equal proportions through all three mechanisms:
-Root interception: As roots grow and come into direct contact with soil particles, they intercept and absorb Zinc ions present on the surface of those particles.
-Mass flow: Zinc dissolved in the soil solution is carried towards the roots along with the water that plants absorb for transpiration.
-Diffusion: Zinc ions move from areas of higher concentration (soil solution) to areas of lower concentration (root surface) through diffusion.