Summary
This section emphasizes the integral role of essential nutrients—both macro- and micronutrients—in plant health, and illustrates how soils supply not only nutrients but also water to plants. It details the transport mechanisms of xylem and phloem, explaining concepts such as transpiration, the cohesion–tension theory, and the pressure flow theory. Additionally, the section explores specialized adaptations like parasitic and carnivorous plants that modify standard nutrient acquisition strategies, underscoring the evolutionary trade-offs involved in plant nutrition.