Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewedConventional

Agronomic mineral biofortification to enhance the nutritional value of vegetables: a review

C. Leonardi, Claudio Cannata, Francesco Giuffrida, Federico Basile, G. Fichera, Rosario Paolo Mauro

Acta Horticulturae · 2025

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Summary

This narrative review synthesises evidence on agronomic mineral biofortification—the use of soil amendments, fertilisation strategies, and foliar applications to increase micronutrient density in vegetable crops. The paper likely examines the effectiveness, feasibility, and practical application of such approaches across different vegetable types and growing conditions, drawing on recent literature to assess their potential contribution to improved human nutrition through enhanced food composition rather than supplementation.

Regional applicability

Findings are likely applicable to United Kingdom horticulture, particularly for protected cropping and commercial vegetable production, though specific efficacy may depend on soil type, climate, and cultivar choice. Transferability to UK practice would benefit from local trials, as mineral bioavailability is influenced by soil pH, organic matter, and microbial communities that vary by region.

Key measures

Mineral concentration in vegetables (likely iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, iodine); bioavailability metrics where available; agronomic management practices

Outcomes reported

This review examines agronomic approaches to enhance mineral content and bioavailability in vegetables through soil and foliar nutrient management.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Crop nutrient density & mineral composition
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Horticulture
DOI
10.17660/actahortic.2025.1422.5
Catalogue ID
SNmvrmv7er-ewtbi2

Topic tags

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