MICRONUTRIENT LIMITATIONS IN CROP PRODUCTION AND STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT: A REVIEW

Yimam Mekonen*, Sisay Mekonnen

ABSTRACT

Crop productivity in developing countries is hindered by micronutrient deficiency,
particularly in the third world, leading to challenges in achieving higher yields. The
unbalanced use of fertilizers for higher agricultural production has resulted in soil
fertility exhaustion and imbalances in major, secondary, and micronutrients. The
intensified cultivation, erosion, and loss of micronutrients through various processes
have led to an escalation in crop micronutrient insufficiencies, impacting both crop
productivity and human nutrition. African soils, including those in Ethiopia, suffer
from multiple nutrient deficiencies, affecting staple crops and leading to poor
nutritional quality in diets. In Ethiopian soils, there is a widespread occurrence of
micronutrient deficiencies, specifically in zinc, boron, and copper, which adversely
impact the productivity of crops. The introduction of mineral fertilizers in Ethiopia in
the 1970s has not addressed micronutrient deficiencies adequately. The review
emphasizes the importance of micronutrients in global crop production and their
role in addressing hunger and malnutrition. The limited use of micronutrients in
developing countries contrasts with their significance in improving crop yield and
quality. Micronutrient deficiencies can have severe consequences on plant growth,
yield, and human health. The review concludes by stressing the significance of
addressing micronutrient deficiencies for optimal crop production and human
nutrition. The goal of the review is to present a comprehensive understanding of the
significance of micronutrients for crop production.

Keywords:

Crop production; fertilizer management; micronutrient deficiency;
nutrient imbalance; soil fertility.

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