Vegetative nutrition and fertilizer application from the perspective of healthy China

The function of vegetative nutrition on human health was discussed, and the roles of fertilizer application on improving the nutritional and environmental functions of vegetative products were assessed, from the perspective of healthy China. Chinese people are good at using the edible, medicinal, feed and ecological properties of plants to support human health through daily diet and herbal medicine. The rapidly increased production capacities of animal food stuffs have changed human food structures greatly, the proportion of vegetative food is tending to decrease, especially in the diet of young people. Unbalanced food structure has led to malnutrition, inefficient mineral nutrient uptake, and high accidence of chronic diseases etc. Therefore, the multiple functions of vegetative food stuffs should be reconsidered. Fertilization plays a vital role in the healthy growth of plants and the food production in high quantity and quality. The cultivation quality and nutritional value of plants, including Chinese herbal medicines, are then delivered to animals and humans through the food chain. In addition, scientific fertilization can safely and efficiently supplement trace elements necessary for human body, maintain natural ecological environment for human health. Some strategies are thus proposed for better utilization of vegetative nutrients and fertilizers to promote the health of Chinese people.