Which one of the following does NOT favour absorption of water in...

Water absorption in plants depends on several environmental factors.

Low concentration of solutes in soil water means the soil solution is hypotonic, which creates a favourable water potential gradient for water to enter the roots.

Increased transpiration rates create a strong transpirational pull, which is the primary driving force for passive water absorption.

Capillary water is the main source of available water for plants in the soil, so its presence favours absorption.

Poorly aerated soil (such as waterlogged soil) lacks sufficient oxygen for root respiration. This inhibits the metabolic activities of root cells, reduces root growth, and decreases the permeability of cell membranes, thereby significantly reducing water absorption.

Therefore, poorly aerated soil does not favour the absorption of water.

Answer: Poorly aerated soil.