Limited soil moisture generally ______ nutrient uptake.

Limited soil moisture generally decreases nutrient uptake primarily because water is essential for transporting nutrients within the soil and into plant roots. Inadequate moisture creates a challenge for plants to access nutrient ions that are in the soil solution. Nutrients are absorbed through the roots in a water medium, and if soil moisture levels are low, the solution becomes more concentrated, making it more difficult for roots to absorb these nutrients effectively.

Additionally, many nutrients are mobile in the soil, moving with water. When there isn't enough moisture to facilitate this movement, nutrient availability drops. Furthermore, the physiological processes of plants, such as root growth and cellular functions, may be hindered under water-stressed conditions, leading to an overall decrease in nutrient uptake.

Thus, dry conditions directly correlate with reduced nutrient absorption efficiency, affecting plant health, growth, and yield potential.