Where do plants get nutrients from?

Plants absorb nutrients primarily through their roots, but also through opening in their leaves (Stomata) in the case of gaseous elements such as Carbon dioxide and Oxygen.

Nutrients required for growth can be obtained from:

Water - dissolved minerals that are contained in the water

Soil - weathered mineral deposits from different sources

Decomposed organic matter - organic matter (such as dead leaves) is broken down and nutrients released in to the soil

Fertilisers - in the case of commercial crops, both organic and artificial (chemical) fertilisers can be applied to the plant; these can be applied to the soil or as a "foliar feed" directly to the plant surface where it is absorbed into the plant