What is a plant nutrient? Changing definitions to advance science and innovation in plant nutrition

Abstract Current definitions of essential or beneficial elements for plant growth rely on narrowly defined criteria that do not fully represent a new vision nutrition and compromise fertilizer regulation practice. A definition what is nutrient founded in science relevant practice has the potential to revitalize innovation discovery. proposed might read: mineral an element which development quality attributes harvested product, given species, grown its natural cultivated environment. may be considered if life cycle diversity species cannot completed absence element. it does meet essentiality, but can shown benefit product . It includes currently identified as essential, clear metabolic function been identified, well have demonstrated benefits productivity, crop quality, resource use efficiency, stress tolerance pest disease resistance. We propose open scientific debate refine implement this updated nutrients. Other outcomes could more precise experimental evidence required classify nutrient, independent body regularly review list The also attempt nutrients better align with deemed animal human nutrition, thus following holistic ’one nutrition‘ concept.