What is capillary action?

• A. The ability of plants to absorb rainwater
• B. The process of soil nutrients being washed away
• C. The ability of plants to pull water and nutrients from the soil
• D. The mechanism of water evaporating from soil

Answer: (C)

Capillary action refers to the process by which water and dissolved nutrients are drawn upwards through the small spaces in soil and plant roots due to cohesive and adhesive forces. This ability is crucial for plants as it enables them to access moisture and nutrients from the soil, even when those resources are located deep beneath the surface.

In the context of landscape irrigation and horticulture, understanding capillary action helps in designing efficient irrigation systems that ensure plants receive adequate water while minimizing waste. The correct option highlights the importance of this natural phenomenon in plant health and growth, emphasizing how plants rely on capillary action to thrive.

Other choices, while they touch on related topics, do not accurately capture the essence of capillary action in its specific role within plant physiology. The first choice discusses water absorption but doesn't specify the upward movement that characterizes capillary action. The second choice refers to nutrient leaching, which is an important concept in understanding soil health but is not related to capillary movement. The fourth option focuses on evaporation, which is a different process entirely that involves water changing from liquid to gas, rather than the movement of water into and through a plant’s root system.