| Passive absorption of minerals | Active absorption of minerals |
| 1. The movement of mineral ions into root cells due to diffusion, without expenditure of energy is called passive absorption. | 1. The uptake of mineral ions by root cells that requires expenditure of ATP energy is known as active absorption. |
| 2. The movement is according to concentration gradient. | 2. The movement of mineral ions is against concentration gradient. |
| 3. It takes place by direct ion exchange, diffusion, indirect ion exchange – mass flow and Donnan equilibrium. | 3. It takes place by mineral ion accumulation in root hair and carrier concept. |
