Næringsstofmobilitet

Næringsstofmobilitet, sometimes translated as nutrient mobility, refers to the ability of nutrients to move within a plant or between different parts of an ecosystem. This movement is crucial for plant growth and development, as it allows essential elements to be transported from where they are absorbed or stored to where they are needed for metabolic processes. In agricultural contexts, understanding nutrient mobility is key to effective fertilization strategies.

Nutrients are broadly categorized based on their mobility within the plant. Mobile nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can be translocated from older plant tissues to younger, actively growing parts. This means that deficiencies in these nutrients often manifest first in older leaves, as the plant prioritizes supplying younger tissues. Immobile nutrients, like calcium and sulfur, are largely fixed in the tissues where they are deposited. Deficiencies in immobile nutrients are therefore more likely to appear in new growth.

Beyond the plant itself, nutrient mobility is a significant concept in soil science and ecology. It describes how nutrients are transported through the soil profile, influenced by factors like water movement, soil structure, and microbial activity. This mobility determines nutrient availability to plants and can lead to nutrient leaching from the soil, impacting water quality. Similarly, in aquatic ecosystems, nutrient mobility plays a role in the distribution and cycling of essential elements, influencing primary productivity.