Plants obtain essential nutrients from the soil through their root systems. The main ways plants get nutrients from the soil are:

1. Root Absorption: The roots of a plant have specialized structures called root hairs that increase the surface area for absorption. These root hairs absorb water and dissolved minerals from the soil through a process called osmosis.

2. Mycorrhizal Associations: Many plant roots form symbiotic relationships with fungi called mycorrhizae. The fungal hyphae, which are very fine thread-like structures, extend the reach of the plant’s root system and help absorb additional water and nutrients from the soil.

3. Nitrogen Fixation: Some plants, especially legumes like beans and peas, have specialized root nodules that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use, providing the plant with nitrogen nutrients.

4. Nutrient Transport: Once the water and dissolved nutrients are absorbed by the roots, they are transported upward through the xylem tissue in the plant stem to the leaves and other parts of the plant that need them.

The specific nutrients a plant requires from the soil include macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like iron, zinc, and boron. The availability and balance of these nutrients in the soil is crucial for healthy plant growth and development.