Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Limited soil moisture usually __________ nutrient uptake.

1. increases

2. enhances

3. decreases

4. stabilizes

The correct answer is: decreases

Limited soil moisture usually decreases nutrient uptake because water is essential for the transport of nutrients from the soil to plant roots. When moisture levels are low, the availability of nutrients in the soil also decreases, leading to a lower concentration of nutrients that can be absorbed by plants. Additionally, water is crucial for the physiological processes within plants that facilitate nutrient uptake. Without sufficient moisture, plants may experience stress and reduced metabolic activity, further hindering their ability to absorb and utilize nutrients effectively. This can lead to deficiencies that impact plant health and growth.