Nutrient Assimilation

The uptake and integration of nutrients (usually just confined to mineral nutrients within a definition) into plant structures and cells. Carbon, along with hydrogen and oxygen, are assimilated through the process of photosynthesis creating carbohydrates. Nutrient uptake is primarily through plant roots, although stomatal uptake can occur, especially where foliar feeds are applied to a plant.
The extent of nutrient assimilation will be influenced by the surroundings of the plant, in particular soil conditions, such as soil pH and the abundance and availability of nutrients within the soil, the chemical form a particular nutrient is taken up by the plant, as well as prevailing environmental conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, available soil moisture, and light levels. The age and health of a plant will also influence nutrient assimilation, as different stages of a plant’s life cycle can utilise and require different amounts of nutrients.