Soil

Involved in carbohydrate
metabolism and translocation
of starches

Improves
winter hardiness

Promote
reproduction

Involved in
photosynthesis

Aid translocation
of photosynthesis
from leaves to
fruiting organs
Acts as an
O2 carrier

Role of 18
nutrients
necessary for
plant growth
and human
health

Fruit formation
Quickens maturity

Increases
disease resistance

Fruit quality

Reduces plant respiration

Fruit
avour

Promotes root formation

and growth

Seed
formation

Increases water-use
efciency

Seed quality

Stimulates
microbial activity

Cl

Enhances maturity
of small grains

CA

YG E N

PO

TA S S I U M

NI

LCI U M

Fe

BORON

Cu
CO

PPER

Mg
AG

N E SI U

IR O N

SO

m
suffer fromiciencies
def

Cl

H
YD

ROG

EN

A component of
enzymes, DNA, RNA,
proteins and promotes
immune system health

Reduce
erosion

A component of
enzymes and involved in
Fe metabolism

SU

Zn
ZIN C

LPH UR

Mn
AN

GANE

Increase soil
organic matter
content

Sustainable
soil management
for healthy soils,
healthy food
and healthy people

Ensure
crop
rotation

DIU M

Soil micronutrients

With the financial support

of the Russian Federation

people
n
o
i
l
l
i
b
Over 2
icronutrient

Na

YB DENU

TRO GEN

Soil macronutrients

CO N

Mo
OL

CA

Si
SILI

SPH ORU

Ca

Important in immune system

health, blood clotting
and pressure regulation
A component of proteins,
DNA, RNA and blood
Promotes digestive process

Important for
healthy bones

HO

Essential for muscle

and nerve activity

Helps deliver oxygen

to the tissues

RBON

Cl
LO RI N E

Key component of protein

Key component of enzymes

O
CH

Needed for immune system health

Essential to fetal development and

functioning of reproductive system

Helps enzyme activity and increases

the availability of P and Ca

OX

Contributes to perception of taste

Needed for proper uid balance

Responsible for enzyme activity

fao.org/soils-2015

ation
Soil degrad loss
leads to the o and
of soil micr ents
macronutri
unable
e
r
a
s
l
i
o
s
r
o
Nutrient-pohealthy food
to produce necessary
with all the r a healthy person
nutrients fo

Plays a key role in brain

and muscle function

Maintains acid-base balance

Aids in enzyme functionality

and plant use of Fe and P

Promote
nodule formation
on legumes

the foundation
of nutrition

Keep soil
surface
covered
Minimize
tillage

FAO 2015 - BC275e/1/12.15

Promote
plant growth

Healthy soils for a healthy life