Micronutrients in Soil, Plant, Animal and Human Health

AbstractSoil plays a pivotal role in sustaining the health and well-being of humans and animals by supporting agriculture and the quality of agricultural products. Crop plants primarily derive essential nutrients from soil to facilitate their growth and development. However, the deficiency of phyto-available nutrients in soils adversely affects soil health, crop productivity, and the nutritional quality of agricultural produce, ultimately impacting human and animal health. Micronutrients are essential for crop productivity and determine the mineral concentration of crops, directly influencing the nutritional status of human and animal populations dependent on these crops. Studies have revealed widespread and variable deficiencies of micronutrients across states. Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects 36.5% of soils, and boron (B) deficiency is present in 23.2% of soils, making them more prevalent than deficiencies of iron (Fe) at 12.8%, copper (Cu) at 4.2%, and manganese (Mn) at 7.1%. Additionally, combinations of two nutrient deficiencies, such as sulfur (S) + Zn (9.3%), Zn + B (8.7%), S + B (7.0%), and Zn + Fe (5.8%), are more common than combinations like Zn + Mn (3.4%), S + Fe (3.3%), Zn + Cu (2.8%), and Fe + B (2.7%). Food and fodder crops produced on micronutrient-deficient soils often exhibit poor trace element concentrations, leading to micronutrient malnutrition in both humans and animals. Although trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mo, Se, and Co in crops may be sufficient for optimal yields, they frequently remain inadequate to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock, resulting in widespread deficiencies. Furthermore, deficiencies of vitamin A, Fe, Zn, and iodine significantly affect human health, particularly among women and children. This widespread prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies underscores the importance of adopting proper soil nutrient management practices. Sustainable strategies are essential to address soil micronutrient deficiencies, ensuring enhanced crop productivity and quality, improved livestock nutrition, and better health outcomes for humans and animals alike.