The minerals that trees and plants transport to their leaves primarily come from the soil. Here’s how the process works:
Soil Composition – Minerals like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and others exist in the soil in different forms.
Root Absorption – Plant roots absorb these minerals from the soil solution, often with the help of water. Tiny root hairs increase surface area, making absorption more efficient.
Mycorrhizal Fungi Assistance – Many plants have symbiotic relationships with fungi (mycorrhizae), which help extract minerals from the soil and pass them to the plant in exchange for sugars.
Xylem Transport – Once absorbed, minerals dissolve in water and move through the plant’s xylem, the tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients upward from the roots.
Leaf Distribution – As water reaches the leaves, minerals are distributed to different cells for photosynthesis, growth, and metabolism.
Over time, minerals in the soil are replenished through natural processes like decomposition of organic matter, weathering of rocks,