Anions have which type of charge?

Anions are negatively charged ions. This negative charge arises when an atom gains one or more electrons, resulting in an excess of electrons relative to protons. The presence of these additional electrons creates a net negative charge, distinguishing anions from cations, which are positively charged due to a deficiency of electrons. Understanding the nature of anions is crucial in fields such as agronomy and soil science, as they play a significant role in nutrient availability and movement within soil systems, affecting plant growth and health.