Summary
This 2022 narrative review in Trends in Plant Science examines the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the decline in mineral nutrient concentration in plants grown under elevated CO2 conditions. The authors synthesise evidence suggesting that rising atmospheric CO2 reduces the accumulation of essential nutrients in edible tissues, with implications for global nutrition security. The review frames this as a 'bad deal'—the productivity gains from elevated CO2 may be offset by reduced nutrient density in crops.
UK applicability
The findings are directly relevant to UK food security and public health policy, as they indicate that future atmospheric CO2 levels will continue to reduce the nutritional density of domestically produced and imported crops. This may require adjustments to nutritional guidelines and consideration of agronomic interventions to maintain micronutrient adequacy in diets.
Key measures
Plant mineral nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and other micronutrients) under elevated versus ambient CO2; nutrient uptake physiology; gene expression and transporter activity
Outcomes reported
The paper examines physiological and molecular mechanisms by which elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations reduce mineral nutrient acquisition and accumulation in plants. It synthesises evidence on how rising CO2 affects plant nutrition status and implications for human dietary adequacy.
Topic tags
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