The Role of Fertilizers in Nutrition Security. Three Examples of Micronutrient Fertilization

Billions of people, mostly in developing countries, suffer from micronutrient malnutrition, sometimes referred to as “hidden hunger”. The nutrient deficiencies most commonly associated with human health problems on a global scale are iron, zinc and iodine, but selenium and fluorine deficiencies are also widespread. Micro-enriched fertilization is considered one of the most promising ways to fight malnutrition in soils, livestock and people. The three case studies below highlight the importance of micronutrient supplementation in Turkey, Finland and China.