The correct answer is option 'D', the difference in osmotic potential between the soil and root is a driving force for the movement of water from the soil to the root during absorption in plants.

Osmotic potential is a measure of the tendency of water to move across a semipermeable membrane in response to solute concentration differences. When there is a difference in osmotic potential between two regions, water will move from the region with lower osmotic potential to the region with higher osmotic potential.

Here is a detailed explanation of why the difference in osmotic potential drives the movement of water from the soil to the root during absorption:

1. Osmosis:
Osmosis is the process by which water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In plants, the root cells act as a semipermeable membrane, and solutes such as ions and minerals in the soil create a higher solute concentration in the root cells compared to the soil.

2. Root hairs:
Root hairs are tiny extensions of the root epidermal cells that greatly increase the surface area for water absorption. They are in direct contact with the soil particles and water present in the soil.

3. Active transport:
Root hairs actively transport ions and minerals from the soil into the root cells using energy in the form of ATP. This process creates a higher solute concentration in the root cells compared to the surrounding soil.

4. Osmotic potential gradient:
Due to the higher solute concentration in the root cells, the osmotic potential of the root cells becomes lower than that of the soil. This creates an osmotic potential gradient between the root cells and the soil.

5. Water movement:
As a result of the osmotic potential gradient, water molecules move from the soil, where they are in higher concentration, to the root cells, where they are in lower concentration. This movement of water is driven by the difference in osmotic potential between the soil and root cells.

6. Capillary action:
Another factor that aids water movement from the soil to the root is capillary action. Capillary action is the ability of water to move in narrow spaces, such as the soil particles, due to adhesive and cohesive forces. This helps water to be pulled up through the soil and into the root.

In conclusion, the difference in osmotic potential between the soil and root creates an osmotic potential gradient, which drives the movement of water from the soil to the root during absorption in plants. This process is facilitated by root hairs, active transport, and capillary action.