Nutrients absorbed by plants in anionic form
A. Nitrogen, Manganese, Calcium B. Phosphorous, Sulphur, Boron C. Copper, Zinc, Iron D. Molybdenum, Potassium, Manganese
Choose the correct answer from the options given below

Correct option is C

Plants absorb nutrients either in cationic or anionic form depending on the chemical nature of the element present in soil solution. Phosphorus, sulphur, and boron are absorbed mainly in anionic forms such as phosphate, sulphate, and borate ions. Nitrogen is absorbed in both nitrate and ammonium forms, while micronutrients like copper and zinc are absorbed as cations. Therefore, only option B contains nutrients that are absorbed exclusively in anionic form.
Information booster: Anions are negatively charged ions and move freely in soil solution toward plant roots. Phosphorus is absorbed mainly as H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻, while sulphur is absorbed as SO₄²⁻. Boron is absorbed as borate ion, especially under neutral to alkaline soil conditions. Knowledge of ionic form helps in fertilizer management and correcting nutrient deficiencies.
Why other options are incorrect: (a) Nitrogen, manganese, and calcium are not all absorbed as anions because manganese and calcium are cations. (b) Copper, zinc, and iron are absorbed in cationic form and not as anions. (d) Potassium and manganese are cations, so this combination is incorrect.