Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Excessive soil moisture usually _____________ nutrient uptake.

1. enhances

2. decreases

3. maintains

4. increases

The correct answer is: decreases

Excessive soil moisture typically decreases nutrient uptake due to several factors related to plant physiology and soil chemistry. When soil is overly saturated, it can lead to conditions that create oxygen deficiency around the root zone. Roots require oxygen to effectively uptake water and nutrients. In anaerobic conditions, the ability of roots to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is hindered. Additionally, excess moisture can lead to leaching, where soluble nutrients are washed away from the root zone, further reducing their availability to plants. High moisture levels can also promote the growth of certain pathogens that may negatively impact root health, further disrupting the nutrient uptake process. This understanding clarifies why the option indicating a decrease in nutrient uptake is the most accurate assertion when discussing the effects of excessive soil moisture.