Chapter 37, Problem 10TYU

Summary Introduction

To Draw: A sketch of exchange of cations, a root hair, soil particle representing anion, and hydrogen ion displacing a cation.

Concept Introduction: The cations including K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ adhere to soil particles because soil is negatively charged. This prevents the leaching out of cations out of the soil through percolating ground water. During exchange of cations, they are displaced by other cations from soil. Displaced cations then enter the soil solution and can be taken up by the plant roots.