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Micronutrients play a key role in growth and development of plants, animals and humans. Micronutrients namely, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl), nickel (Ni); cobalt (Co) for legumes only, essential for plants are also essential to human. Iodine (I), selenium (Si), fluorine (F) and chromium (Cr) are essential for human but not for plants, but absorbed by plant from soil and water and enter into the animals and humans through food chain. Micronutrient application has not only contributed in enhancing the food grain production but also helped in sustaining soil health and fortifying the country’s nutritional security. As per the GPS-aided analysis of more than 2 lakh soil samples, element-wise deficiency is as follows: Zn 36.5%, Fe 12.8%, Cu 4.2%, Mn 7.1%, B 23.4%. Scattered deficiency of Mo has been observed in acid soils. Food and fodder produced on these soils without supplementation of deficient micronutrient(s) have poor trace element concentration, causing micronutrient malnutrition in animals and humans alike. Even though the levels of trace elements like Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mo, Se and Co in crops are sometimes sufficient for optimum yields but they are sub-optimal to meet the needs of livestock leading to their widespread deficiencies. Widespread nutritional deficiencies of vitamin A, Fe, Zn, and iodine affecting human health, disproportionately especially women and young children, have been reported. Soil-related deficiencies of trace elements such as Se, Cu, Fe and Zn are also implicated as causal factors for anemia. Toxic concentrations of some trace elements in soils also adversely affect the animal and human health. For correcting micronutrient malnutrition in animal and human, the strategies of micronutrient management should focus on enrichment of these elements in edible plant parts and making them bioavailable without compromising on the sustenance of crop production. Holistic approach is required to develop sustainable technologies to reduce micronutrient malnutrition by launching a mission mode programme on micronutrient research in soil-plant-animal/human continuum mode. Micronutrients are essential dietary elements required by organisms in varying quantities to regulate physiological functions of cells and organs. Micronutrients support the health of organisms throughout life. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed by the body in very small amounts. However, their impact on a body's health are critical, and deficiency in any of them can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions. Micronutrient deficiencies can cause several serious health issues. A lack of iron, folate and vitamins B12 and A can lead to anaemia. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin concentration, causing fatigue, weakness, shortage of breath and dizziness. occurs when the body doesn't have enough vitamins and minerals to support growth, development, and optimal health. This can be caused by an inadequate intake of these essential compounds.

Some of the most important micronutrient deficiencies for global public health include • Vitamin A In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency can cause visual impairment or blindness. • Iodine Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, which can lead to an enlarged thyroid, weight gain, and fatigue. • Iron Iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Other health issues that can be caused by micronutrient deficiencies include: Compromised immune systems, Hindered child growth and development, and Chronic non-communicable diseases later in life. NPK – Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium! The Big Three. These are the macronutrients that are crucial for plant growth – if your plants lack these, you can forget about harvesting that gorgeous, nutrient-dense, ripe, red heirloom tomato that’s been growing for the past three months in your garden! Alongside NPK, there are other macronutrients that plants need in generous amounts to grow – and they are sulphur, magnesium and calcium. In well-prepared soil (we’ll explain what that means below), these macronutrients are usually present in sufficient amounts. But are those all the elements vegetables need to reach their full potential? If you are already dealing with organic deficiencies, organic liquid fertilizers can be used—these are cost-effective, and bring the quickest results. Your plants can take in nutrition through leaves as well as roots – so most of these are applied either to the root-zone or foliarly (on the leaves). What I recommend to home gardeners is to do a soil test every few years, and then make necessary amendments. An easy and sustainable way to address both macro- and micronutrient deficiencies is to add generous amounts of compost to your growing medium. If you can add compost every growing season or at every new planting, there is nothing like it!

The following tips also come in handy: – Cover the soil with mulch (straw or dried leaves or plastic mulch, etc.) to keep nutrients within the soil and prevent leaching – Practice “green manuring” – grow a crop of leguminous plants followed by cutting and incorporating them into the soil – Slow-release fertilisers like chicken manure (don’t overuse!). These can be more effective in sandy soils than liquid fertilisers that move rather quickly through the soil Read on more best soil preparation and tips. Now that you know what to look for with plant deficiencies, and how to remedy them, there’s no longer any need to sweat the small stuff. Preparing happy, healthy soil is the best measure to prevent micronutrient plant deficiency!