Environmental monitoring and bioremediation programs require understanding the fate of specific compounds. In modern agriculture, mathematical models describe environmental exposure, distribution, and accumulation based on interactions between “sink” compartments. This study focused on the plant compartment, specifically plant uptake, aiming to develop a standardized test protocol for various compounds, crop properties, and soil pH conditions. Plant uptake was quantified using the Plant Uptake Factor (PUF), calculated from compound depletion in an artificial soil solution available for root uptake. The investigation involved intact plants in treated solutions, exploring two protocol versions differing in plant cultivation and solution properties. Various crops (tomato, wheat, oilseed rape), pH levels (5.5, 6.5, 7.5), and nine compounds (logKow = {-3.2 to 3.9}) were examined. Despite some senescence, all crops produced new tissue and transpired adequately. Uptake behavior varied significantly among crop types, with target pH levels achieved using buffers, though pH did not significantly affect uptake. The mean plant uptake factor was 1.01, indicating unrestricted passive uptake, while uptake restricted to shoots was inversely linear with lipophilicity. Six experimental recommendations were made for a standardized protocol, emphasizing the investigation of water-soluble and low sorbing compounds, the use of non-buffered nutrient
