Uptake of mineral nutrients by the leaves Disadvantages Rate of application is limited (if it is too high, the leaf will be harmed). It should be remembered that in general leaves are only able to take up a relatively small quantity of nutrients in comparison with plant demand, especially for macronutrients So, It cannot replace the need for the application of nutrients to the soilDisadvantages Rate of application is limited (if it is too high, the leaf will be harmed). It should be remembered that in general leaves are only able to take up a relatively small quantity of nutrients in comparison with plant demand, especially for macronutrients. So, It cannot replace the need for the application of nutrients to the soil. Uptake of mineral nutrients by the leaves