Question

Woodward (1669) observed that plants grow better in muddy water than in rain water, why?

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

Answer 1

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

Plants require seventeen essential elements for optimum growth. Those elements, which are required in large quantity are called macronutrients, whereas those elements, which are required in lesser quantity, are called 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.