Question

Which of the following is not a function of soil?

(a) It holds water

(b) It supplies air to roots

(c) It acts as a matrix that destabilizes the plant

(d) It harbors nitrogen fixing bacteria

This question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

The origin of the question is Mechanism of Absorption of Nutrients in division Mineral Nutrition of Biology – Class 11

Answer 1

Right answer is (c) It acts as a matrix that destabilizes the plant

For explanation: Plants take their nutrition from minerals present in the soil. Many macro and micronutrients are present in the soil. The soil also harbors nitrogen fixing bacteria that fix nitrogen in order for uptake by plants. It performs several other functions like holding water and supplying air to root’s respiration. It also acts as a matrix for stabilization of the plant.