|
Correct Answer: water.
the question asks which component in the soil ecosystem is responsible for dissolving minerals and transporting them into the root system of plants. the options given are oxygen, water, organic matter, and living organisms. each of these elements plays a specific role in soil health and plant growth, but their functions regarding nutrient mobilization and uptake are distinct.
oxygen in the soil is crucial for aerobic soil organisms and roots, facilitating respiration and biological activity. however, oxygen itself does not dissolve minerals nor does it transport them into plant roots.
water is the key medium through which dissolved minerals and nutrients are transported within the soil. water's ability to dissolve and carry nutrients depends on various factors such as the soil's texture, structure, and organic matter content. when water percolates through the soil, it picks up soluble minerals from the soil particles. these dissolved minerals are then available for root uptake, a process essential for plant nutrition. the mechanism involves the movement of water into root cells via osmosis, carrying with it essential dissolved nutrients.
organic matter in the soil, while crucial for improving soil texture, water retention, and providing nutrients upon decomposition, does not itself dissolve minerals nor transport them. it rather acts as a reservoir that slowly releases nutrients into the soil solution, which water can then carry to the roots.
living organisms in the soil, such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms, play significant roles in nutrient cycling and help improve soil structure and nutrient availability. some microbes solubilize phosphorus and other minerals, making them available to plants, but the actual transport of these nutrients to the plant roots is primarily facilitated by water.
considering these roles, the correct answer to the question is water. it is the primary agent in the soil responsible for dissolving minerals and carrying them into the plant's root system, thereby facilitating essential nutrient uptake necessary for plant growth and development.
|
