Question

Woodward (1669) observed that plants grow better in muddy water than in rain water. This is because

• A. Muddy water had most of essential elements dissolved in it.
• B. Muddy water had micronutrients dissolved in it.
• C. Muddy water has macronutrients dissolved in it.
• D. None of above is correct.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Muddy water had most of essential elements dissolved in it.

Woodward observed that soil provides ingredients for the nourishment of plants. It has been shown that plants require seventeen essential elements for optimum growth. Those elements, which are required in large quantity are called as macronutrients, whereas those elements, which are required in lesser quantity are called as micronutrients.

Out of the seventeen essential mineral elements, carbon and oxygen are obtained from air, hydrogen from water. Rest all the minerals are absorbed from the soil. Hence, muddy water (having soil) is better suited to support plant growth than pure rain water, because rain water is supposed to be similar to regular tap water.

So, the correct answer is 'Muddy water had most of essential elements dissolved in it'