What describes the retention of nutrients for future plant use?

The concept of nutrient retention for future plant use is best encapsulated by the term "Nutrient Storage." This process involves the accumulation and preservation of essential nutrients in the soil or within organic matter, making them available for plants during later stages of growth. Nutrient storage is crucial for maintaining soil fertility, as it ensures that essential elements are present in the soil for plants to draw upon when needed.

Nutrient cycling refers to the complete movement of nutrients within the ecosystem, involving processes such as uptake by plants, decomposition, and release back into the soil. While nutrient cycling contributes to the overall availability of nutrients, it does not specifically focus on the retention aspect.

Nutrient disposal suggests the process of eliminating excess nutrients, which does not align with the concept of retaining nutrients for future use.

Nutrient release involves the process by which nutrients are made available to plants after being tied up in the soil or organic matter, but it does not capture the idea of retaining those nutrients for later use.

Thus, "Nutrient Storage" accurately describes the retention of nutrients so that they can be utilized by plants in subsequent growth cycles.