Future Trends and Requirements in Micronutrient Research

There are seven recognized essential plant micronutrients. Most of these nutrients and selenium are known to be essential for humans and livestock. The objective of this investigation is to report on the future requirements in micronutrient research in agriculture. Boron and other trace elements, such as Cr, Ni, Sn, and V, may be required for food‐producing animals, and if so, dietary requirements of these elements should be determined. Field calibration data are needed for present tests to improve fertilizer recommendations for micronutrient anions, Mo and Se. Research is needed in the genetic improvement of crops, which will result in more efficient mobilization of micronutrients from phloem into the grain. Future research on applying micronutrients should pay close attention to determining their effect on consumption considerations rather than just the health of the crop plant. Properly applied fertilizer improves food quality through higher quality of vegetative products, and thus indirectly of animal products, so that it ultimately contributes to the health of humans and livestock animals. The majority of foods consumed by animals and humans are of plant origin, therefore, plant foods are a critical source of nutrients, including the micronutrients. Finding the appropriate answers on future micronutrient research requires the coordinated efforts of soil scientists, plant scientists, animal nutritionists and clinical nutritionists.