Exploring the critical shortage of essential trace elements and its cascading effects on agriculture, livestock, and human health
Have you ever considered the journey of a single mineral from soil to your dinner plate? For farmers in Saudi Arabia, this journey is becoming increasingly difficult. Picture a dedicated Saudi farmer checking his grazing lands—the plants look healthy, but his animals are mysteriously ailing. The culprit isn't a visible pest or disease, but something far more elusive: a critical shortage of essential trace elements like selenium in the soil that forms the very foundation of the food chain 4 .
This isn't just one farmer's story. With more than 70% of surveyed fields in some regions of Saudi Arabia affected by soil salinity and degradation, the problem is widespread 2 . The silent crisis of mineral-deficient soils doesn't just stunt plants; it cascades through the entire ecosystem, affecting livestock health and ultimately, human nutrition.
Mineral deficiencies affect nutritional value of animal feed
Trace elements are the unsung heroes of biological processes. Though required in minute quantities, they perform indispensable functions in plants, animals, and humans alike.
Selenium—the star player in this drama—isn't just another mineral. It's a crucial component of selenoproteins, which play vital roles in protecting cells from damage, fighting infections, and regulating thyroid hormones 4 . When selenium is deficient, the consequences ripple through the entire ecosystem:
Cell protection, immune function, thyroid regulation
But selenium doesn't work alone. It's part of a mineral ensemble that includes zinc (essential for immune function and growth), copper (vital for enzyme systems), and manganese (important for metabolism) 1 6 . In Saudi Arabia's arid soils, multiple elements are often deficient simultaneously, creating a complex challenge for agriculture.
Mineral deficiencies begin in Saudi Arabia's arid, saline soils
Forage plants like Calligonum comosum absorb limited minerals
Animals develop health issues from mineral-deficient forage
Nutritional quality of animal products affected, impacting human health
To understand how mineral deficiencies manifest in Saudi Arabia's ecosystem, consider a detailed study conducted on Calligonum comosum—a hardy wild grazing plant that survives in the harsh desert environment near Al-Ahsa 6 . Researchers tracked how concentrations of essential minerals changed in different parts of the plant across its growing season from January to April.
Scientists collected plant samples monthly from January to April 2020, carefully separating leaves, stems, and roots 6 . Each sample underwent meticulous preparation—cleaned with a brush, washed with dilute acid, rinsed with deionized water, and air-dried 6 . This precise preparation ensured that the mineral analysis would reflect the actual composition of the plants rather than surface contaminants.
| Month | Zinc (mg/kg) | Copper (mg/kg) | Manganese (mg/kg) | Nitrogen (g/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70.70 | 16.78 | 45.45 | 11.10 |
| February | 98.45 | 73.46 | 47.12 | 14.25 |
| March | 177.23 | 34.12 | 48.90 | 18.40 |
| April | 85.15 | 22.45 | 49.29 | 13.55 |
| Plant Part | Zinc (mg/kg) | Copper (mg/kg) | Manganese (mg/kg) | Calcium (g/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 142.30 | 48.15 | 52.45 | 28.90 |
| Stem | 95.45 | 28.30 | 43.15 | 19.45 |
| Roots | 62.15 | 18.25 | 38.30 | 15.20 |
The findings revealed nature's sophisticated mineral calendar. Different elements peaked at different times, suggesting an optimal grazing period when the plant's nutritional profile best matches animal needs 6 . For instance, zinc and nitrogen concentrations reached their highest levels in March, while copper peaked much earlier in February 6 .
The distribution of minerals within the plant also followed clear patterns, with leaves typically accumulating higher concentrations of most elements compared to stems and roots 6 . This has important implications for grazing animals—depending on which parts of the plant they consume, their mineral intake varies significantly.
What does it take to measure the invisible? Investigating the mineral status of soils and plants requires sophisticated tools and methods. Here's a look at the essential equipment researchers use:
Measures concentration of elements by light absorption. Used to determine levels of Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn in plants and serum 1 .
Precise quantification of mineral elements. Employed in analysis of soil, plant, and water samples 9 .
Quantitative assessment of parasite eggs in feces. Used to examine gastrointestinal parasite burdens in grazing animals 1 .
Prepares samples for analysis by breaking down organic matter. Essential step before mineral analysis of plant tissues 6 .
The process typically begins in the field, where researchers collect plant and soil samples from various locations and depths. These samples undergo careful preparation—drying, grinding, and chemical treatment—to extract the minerals of interest. Through techniques like spectrophotometry, scientists can detect elements at concentrations as low as parts per million, allowing them to identify even subtle deficiencies 1 .
This scientific detective work doesn't just document problems; it helps identify solutions. By understanding exactly which elements are deficient and how they move through the ecosystem, researchers can develop targeted approaches to restore mineral balance in agricultural systems.
The challenge of trace element deficiency extends far beyond the laboratory or individual farms—it represents a significant hurdle for Saudi Arabia's agricultural sustainability and food security goals.
The Saudi forage market, valued at USD 800 million in 2024, reflects the substantial economic importance of animal feed resources . With the market projected to grow to USD 1.200 million by 2033, ensuring the nutritional quality of forages becomes increasingly critical .
Saudi forage market value (2024)
Projected market value (2033)
The economic implications are substantial. Saudi Arabia already faces a "wide gap between the nutritional needs of animal feed and the quantities produced domestically," necessitating significant feed imports 6 . Improving the mineral content of locally grown forages could help reduce this dependency while enhancing the health and productivity of livestock herds.
Addressing trace element deficiencies requires a multi-pronged approach that combines traditional knowledge with modern science. Researchers and farmers across Saudi Arabia are exploring several promising strategies:
Regenerative practices focus on improving soil health as a foundation for nutrient-dense forages.
Perhaps the most promising long-term approach is developing forage plants that more efficiently accumulate trace elements.
Projects like the Al Baydha development demonstrate how these approaches can transform degraded landscapes. Through water harvesting techniques and strategic planting, previously barren land has been rejuvenated, showing the potential for broader application across Saudi Arabia 7 .
The Saudi government has recognized the importance of these challenges through initiatives like the Sustainable Rural Agriculture Development (SRAD) project, which addresses soil salinity and promotes sustainable practices 2 . The creation of an Arabic soil salinity manual helps make this vital information accessible to local farmers 2 .
The story of trace elements in Saudi Arabia's forage plants reminds us of a fundamental truth: the health of our soil, plants, animals, and ourselves is deeply interconnected. What begins as a microscopic deficiency in the earth can cascade through the entire food chain, ultimately affecting human nutrition and well-being.
While the challenges are significant, the scientific understanding now available offers clear pathways forward. Through regenerative agricultural practices, targeted supplementation, biofortification, and continued research, Saudi Arabia can revitalize its soils and build a more resilient, nutritious food system.
The next time you enjoy a glass of milk or a piece of meat, remember the journey of the minerals that made it possible—from soil to plant to animal—and the quiet scientific work that ensures this journey can continue for generations to come.