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    NUTRIENT:

    OXYGEN

    Oxygen (O) is responsible for cellular respiration in plants. This element plays a critical role in photosynthesis and is both stored for energy and released as a byproduct.

    Non-Fertilizer Elements

    Plants acquire O by breaking down carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis and end up releasing the majority of it as an unnecessary byproduct, saving a small portion for future energy.

    Oxygen Source

    All O available to life on Earth comes from plants.

    Byproduct

    Most of the O plants take in is expelled as a byproduct. Only a very small amount is actually used by the plant for respiration.

    Photosynthesis

    Plants don't absorb O from the air, but instead acquire it during the breakdown of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as part of photosynthesis.

    pt_nutrient_details_soybean

    Denitrification

    Oxygen interacts with nitrogen (N) in a process called denitrification, and it affects other elements' oxidation states as well.

    Oxygen Absorption

    Only the leaves and stems of a plant acquire O through photosynthesis. The roots of a plant are forced to take in O from the environment through air spaces in the soil.

      • Oxygen Source

        All O available to life on Earth comes from plants.

      • Byproduct

        Most of the O plants take in is expelled as a byproduct. Only a very small amount is actually used by the plant for respiration.

      • Photosynthesis

        Plants don't absorb O from the air, but instead acquire it during the breakdown of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as part of photosynthesis.

      • Denitrification

        Oxygen interacts with nitrogen (N) in a process called denitrification, and it affects other elements' oxidation states as well.

      • Oxygen Absorption

        Only the leaves and stems of a plant acquire O through photosynthesis. The roots of a plant are forced to take in O from the environment through air spaces in the soil.

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