Which process is NOT involved in the uptake of nutrients by plant roots?

Evapotranspiration is the process that involves the loss of water from the soil and plants, primarily through evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration from the plant leaves. While it plays a crucial role in the water cycle and influences the uptake of nutrients by affecting soil moisture levels, it is not a mechanism by which nutrients are absorbed directly by plant roots.

In contrast, mass flow, diffusion, and root interception are all fundamental processes involved in nutrient uptake. Mass flow refers to the movement of nutrients dissolved in water as it is taken up by the plant roots, while diffusion is the process where nutrients move from areas of higher concentration in the soil to areas of lower concentration in the root zone. Root interception occurs when roots physically come into contact with soil particles and absorb nutrients directly. Thus, while evapotranspiration is important for maintaining the overall health and moisture availability for plants, it does not directly facilitate the uptake of nutrients.