Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Plants require specific inorganic nutrients for growth, metabolism, and reproduction. These essential nutrients are categorized based on their source: air, water, and soil. In total, there are 16 essential nutrients generally recognized in standard plant biology contexts.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Carbon is an essential macronutrient that forms the backbone of organic molecules in plants. It is supplied to plants primarily through the air in the form of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), which is assimilated during photosynthesis.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Hydrogen is not supplied by the air. It is obtained primarily from water ($H_2O$) absorbed by the plant roots from the soil. Water is photolyzed during photosynthesis to release electrons and protons (hydrogen ions).
- Statement 3 is Correct: Out of the 16 essential nutrients, air supplies Carbon and Oxygen, and water supplies Hydrogen. The remaining thirteen nutrients are supplied by the soil. These include:
- Macronutrients (6): Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulphur.
- Micronutrients (7): Iron, Manganese, Boron, Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum, and Chlorine.
Key Takeaway: Plants derive their essential nutrients from three sources: Air (Carbon, Oxygen), Water (Hydrogen), and Soil (13 mineral nutrients including N, P, K, and micronutrients).