How are the minerals absorbed by the plants?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Nutrient Sources**: Plants absorb minerals from two primary sources: the soil and the air. The roots are responsible for absorbing minerals from the soil, while the leaves take in certain elements from the air.

2. **Mechanism of Absorption**: The uptake of minerals from the soil occurs mainly through a process known as active absorption. This process is crucial for the plant's nutrient acquisition.

3. **Phases of Active Absorption**: Active absorption consists of two distinct phases:
- **Initial Phase**: This phase is passive, where ions are absorbed from the surrounding environment into the outer spaces of the root cells. This includes the intercellular spaces and cell walls.
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