ABSTRACT
A series of processes are involved in the synthesis of food by plants, breaking down the food into simpler substances and utilization of these simpler substances for life processes. Mineral nutrients occur in the soil in both dissolved and bound form. Only a small fraction (less than 0.2%) of the mineral nutrient supply is dissolved in soil water. Most of the remaining i e , almost 98 % is either bound in organic form, humus and relatively insoluble inorganic compounds or incorporated in minerals. Plant absorbs dissolved nutrients along with water from the soil solution through roots. Therefore, sufficient concentration of essential nutrients must be maintained in soil solution. Microbial reactions are important to plant nutrient availability as well as other properties related to soil productivity. As soil organisms degrade plant residue (organic matter) they can absorb ions from the soil solution in to their tissues.
