# Addressing Magnesium Deficiency Through Crop Biofortification: Plant–Soil–Human Perspective—A Review

## TL;DR

This review discusses how magnesium deficiency in crops and humans can be addressed through biofortification strategies to improve nutritional and agricultural outcomes.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of magnesium's role in plants and humans and evaluates strategies for biofortification to combat deficiency.

## Key findings

- Magnesium concentrations in fruits and vegetables have decreased by 20–30% globally.
- Soil acidification and intensive farming reduce magnesium availability.
- Biofortification is highlighted as a sustainable solution to enhance magnesium in crops.

## Abstract

Magnesium is an essential macronutrient for both plants and humans. However, its availability in agricultural systems and dietary intake has been declining, raising concerns about crop productivity and nutritional security. In plants, magnesium plays a critical role in photosynthesis, enzyme activation, carbohydrate transport, and overall metabolic regulation, while in humans it is required for numerous biochemical processes related to energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, and disease prevention. Long-term studies have reported a 20–30% decrease in magnesium concentrations in fruits and vegetables worldwide, potentially contributing to widespread magnesium deficiency. Soil factors such as acidification, nutrient imbalance, and intensive agricultural practices further limit magnesium availability along the soil–plant–human continuum. This review summarizes the biological importance of magnesium in plants and humans, evaluates the occurrence and causes of magnesium deficiency, and discusses current strategies for improving magnesium nutrition through agronomic and genetic biofortification. It considers even fertilizer management, nano-fertilizers, and alternative magnesium sources such as serpentinite. The review highlights biofortification as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to enhance crop magnesium concentration and mitigate global magnesium deficiency while emphasizing the need for further research on bioavailability, environmental safety, and long-term agricultural sustainability.