Which factor can lead to nutrient imbalance in plants?

A nutrient imbalance in plants can occur due to both excessive rainfall and over-fertilization, making the option that combines both factors the most comprehensive choice.

Excessive rainfall can lead to nutrient leaching, where essential nutrients are washed away from the soil into waterways, making them unavailable for plant uptake. This can result in deficiencies of crucial elements like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are vital for plant health and development.

On the other hand, over-fertilization introduces an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, into the soil. This can cause a physiological imbalance in plants, leading to growth issues, nutrient toxicity, and even plant stress. The overabundance of one nutrient can hinder the uptake of others, further contributing to imbalances.

By considering both factors – the washing away of nutrients due to excessive rainfall and the detrimental impacts of over-fertilization – it becomes clear that both conditions can adversely affect nutrient availability and balance in plants.