Without adequate oxygen from the soil environment there is no energy produced for nutrient absorption. This also stops active absorption in which water flows into the cell due to the higher concentration of nutrients that were actively absorbed. Anything that lowers or prevents the production of sugars in the leaves can lower nutrient absorption. If the plant is under stress due to low light or extremes in temperature, nutrient deficiency problems may develop. The stage of growth or how actively the plant is growing may also affect the amount of nutrients absorbed.
Many plants go into a rest period or dormancy during part of the year.
During dormancy few nutrients are absorbed. Plants may also absorb different nutrients just as flower buds begin to develop. Nutrients transported from the root to the cell by the vascular system move into the cell through a cell membrane. There are three different ways this happens. First, an entire molecule or ion pair may move through the membrane.