Question

Phosphorus is one of the essential nutrient for plant growth.
A. Is used for the energy transfer
B. Easily available at all the pH of soil
C. Make covalent bond with Ca in alkaline condition
D. Highly movable in the soil, therefore, lost in leaching
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A and B are correct
• B. B and C are correct
• C. A and C are correct
• D. C and D are correct

Hint:

Phosphorus is highly immobile in soil but highly mobile inside the plant. Nitrogen, by contrast, is highly mobile in soil and susceptible to leaching.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Phosphorus (P) is a primary macronutrient essential for plant development.
It is involved in key physiological processes such as cell division, root development, and energy transformation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the statements provided:
- Statement A: Phosphorus is a core component of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP). It plays a direct role in energy storage and transfer during photosynthesis and respiration. This statement is correct.
- Statement B: Phosphorus availability is highly dependent on soil pH. It is only readily available to plants in a narrow neutral pH range ($6.0$ to $7.0$). Outside this range, it becomes fixed and unavailable. This statement is incorrect.
- Statement C: Under alkaline soil conditions (high pH), soluble phosphate ions react with Calcium (Ca) to form insoluble calcium phosphate minerals. This process binds the phosphorus, reducing its availability to plants. This statement is correct.
- Statement D: Phosphorus is highly immobile in soil because it binds to soil particles and minerals. It is not easily lost through leaching; rather, it is lost through surface runoff and erosion. This statement is incorrect.
Thus, only statements A and C are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C).