The nutrition of the foods we eat is mainly based on the soil that it was grown in. Soils that are rich in nutrients produce foods that are more nutritious. This is why fertilizer, be it livestock manure or synthetic, is so vital for food production. Nutrients are divided into two categories, macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, which are commonly integrated into the fertilizer that is applied with crops at the point of seeding. Examples of micronutrients include boron, chloride, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc. In total, the production of healthy, nutritious crops is based on sufficient supplies of 17 key nutrients.
The nutrition value of the food item consumed heavily depends on the soil quality and nutrient availability, rather than the method used to produce the crop. Studies routinely confirm there is no nutritional difference between food produced through conventional agriculture compared to organic agriculture. In one of the most comprehensive assessments of food nutrition, one study reviewed 223 previous research studies, confirming that while people pay significantly more to purchase organic food products, these products are not more nutritious.
