Summary
This narrative review examines the soil–plant–human nutritional continuum, establishing that widespread agricultural soil depletion contributes to crops with inadequate mineral density, perpetuating hidden hunger in over half of preschool-aged children and two-thirds of non-pregnant women of reproductive age globally. The authors synthesise evidence that organic residues from food processing contain substantial mineral pools in non-edible fractions, and propose that circular economy approaches—including technosol development and soil amendments from these wastes—can restore soil fertility and enhance crop nutrient density when mineralisation and bioavailability are optimised. The review identifies agronomic practices and soil–crop monitoring strategies as complementary tools to identify nutrient-rich foods and processing methods that maximise dietary mineral bioavailability.
UK applicability
The findings are applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems, where soil organic matter and micronutrient status vary regionally. UK waste streams from food processing and crop production could be valorised through composting or technosol approaches, though implementation would require alignment with waste regulations (Environmental Protection Act, Quality Protocol for compost) and existing soil management frameworks.
Key measures
Nutrient concentrations in organic residues; soil nutrient status; crop mineral composition; bioavailability of minerals; prevalence of hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiency) in vulnerable populations
Outcomes reported
This narrative review examined the relationship between soil nutrient depletion, crop mineral composition, and human hidden hunger, evaluating circular economy strategies for nutrient recycling through organic waste amendments. The paper identified agronomic practices and monitoring methods to improve nutrient bioavailability in soils and crops as potential interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiency in populations.
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