ABOUT
Nutrients are essential chemical elements that organisms need to survive and reproduce. These nutrients are divided into macronutrients, needed in large quantities, and micronutrients like iron, copper, calcium, and zinc which are needed in lesser quantities. Micronutrients are also required for metabolism and growth of organisms, but for the most part, cellular demands for these nutrients do not exceed supply.
ECOLOGICAL STATUS AND TRENDS
WHY DOES IT MATTER
Shortages of water and micronutrients (such as sulphur, zinc, selenium) can limit Nitrogen and Phosphorus use efficiency, preventing the best use being made of these major nutrients.
The risk of future shortage of zinc and other essential micronutrients needs to be further investigated, especially as only 20 years of zinc reserve is currently identified.
Over recent years, increasing deficiencies of secondary nutrients and micronutrients have also started negating the response of applied NPK, leading to an overall decline in productivity.
WHAT WE DO
UNEP hosts the Global Partnership on Nutrient Management, launched in 2009. It promotes effective nutrient management of both macro and micronutrients, to achieve food security and protect the environment.
FACTS
- Micronutrients are required for metabolism and growth of organisms but in lesser quantities than macronutrients.
- Micronutrients include boron (B), chlorine (CI), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (se), sulphur (S), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), etc.
- The shortage of micronutrients can limit nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency.
AGREEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS RELATED TO UNEP’S MANDATE ON OTHER NUTRIENTS
N/A
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