Critical Role of Micronutrient in Crop Production: A Review

In developing countries, crop production and productivity face significant problems, among which soil nutrient availability is crucial. While primary plant nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) have been given considerable attention, in the other case; deficiency of micronutrients and secondary nutrients is becoming more widely acknowledged as a major limiting factor for obtaining optimal crop yields and nutritional quality. This review highlights information on the importance of micronutrients (B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) in agriculture crop production, focusing on the growing prevalence of deficiencies due to continuous cropping, soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and unbalanced nutrient application in the cropping system. Particularly focus is given to the situation in Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where multi-nutrient deficiencies are widespread in soil degraded, its impacts not only reduction of crop yields but also contributing to human malnutrition through poor crop dietary quality. Based on the evidence provided, addressing micronutrient limitations, crop yields can be greatly increased, nutrient use efficiency can be improved, and human health problems associated with micronutrient deficiency may be mitigated by using balanced nutrient management systems that combine macro- and micronutrients. The review provided the need for increasing research, targeted soil fertility improvements, and policy focus on micronutrients to ensure sustainable crop productivity and food security.