Which term describes the binding of a substance to surfaces such as soil particles or organic matter?

Which term describes the binding of a substance to surfaces such as soil particles or organic matter?

• A. Adsorption
• B. Host
• C. Climate
• D. Weed

Answer: (A)

Binding of a substance to surfaces such as soil particles or organic matter is called adsorption. It describes how molecules attach to the surfaces of solids, forming a layer on minerals or organic residues in the soil. This is different from absorption, which would mean the substance moving into the interior of the material. In soil, adsorption to clay minerals and organic matter can slow movement through the soil and influence how long a chemical stays there and how available it is to microbes and plants. Other terms like host, climate, or weed refer to entirely different ideas and do not describe this surface binding.

Binding of a substance to surfaces such as soil particles or organic matter is called adsorption. It describes how molecules attach to the surfaces of solids, forming a layer on minerals or organic residues in the soil. This is different from absorption, which would mean the substance moving into the interior of the material. In soil, adsorption to clay minerals and organic matter can slow movement through the soil and influence how long a chemical stays there and how available it is to microbes and plants. Other terms like host, climate, or weed refer to entirely different ideas and do not describe this surface binding.