Numerical models based on the Richards equation usually simulate root water uptake as the product of the potential transpiration, a root distribution function, and water and solute stress response functions. Root water uptake is usually multiplied by local concentrations to determine passive root solute uptake. Numerical models usually do not compensate for a reduction of potential water uptake due to osmotic and pressure head stress in one part of the root zone, by increased root water or solute uptake in other parts of the rooting zone. We present a compensated root water and nutrient uptake model that was implemented in HYDRUS.  Water uptake compensation is computed from the soil water stress response function. Root nutrient uptake is partitioned in active and passive uptake. The active nutrient uptake is determined from the difference between the plan nutrient demand and passive solute uptake, with the actual local active nutrient uptake rates calculated from Michaelis-Menten kinetics. A similar compensation procedure as used for root water uptake was implemented for the active nutrient uptake rate estimation.