The Decline of Soil Nutrients: Then and Now

Over the past century, the nutrient content of our soil has undergone a dramatic transformation—one with direct implications for our health. A growing body of research shows that today's fruits, vegetables, and grains contain significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than they did just 100 years ago. Why the decline? It boils down to how we farm and how we’ve altered the natural balance of the soil.

In the early 1900s, farming was largely organic by default. Farmers rotated crops, used compost, and let fields lie fallow to naturally replenish nutrients. This regenerative cycle preserved the delicate balance of soil biology. In contrast, modern conventional farming often relies on monoculture (repeatedly growing the same crop), synthetic fertilizers, and chemical pesticides. While these methods boost short-term yields, they deplete essential soil microbes and minerals over time. A 2004 study by the University of Texas compared USDA nutrient data from 1950 and 1999 and found notable declines in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin C in 43 different crops.

Organic farming practices attempt to address this degradation. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and focusing on soil health through composting, cover cropping, and minimal tillage, organic methods can slow nutrient depletion and even restore some balance. However, even organic soil may lack the mineral density it had a century ago, simply due to overuse and erosion.

This is where supplementation plays a key role. As food loses its nutritional punch, many people turn to vitamins, minerals, and whole-food supplements to bridge the gap. Magnesium, zinc, and iodine—once more abundant in both plant and animal foods—are now common deficiencies. Supplements derived from organic, food-based sources can be particularly effective, as they tend to be better absorbed by the body.

Still, supplements are not a cure-all. They’re a temporary solution to a deeper issue: the need to restore soil health and biodiversity. Long-term solutions involve supporting regenerative agriculture, local organic farms, and policies that prioritize sustainability over yield.

In essence, our health is only as good as the soil our food grows in. By understanding the changes in soil nutrition and supporting healthier farming practices, we can begin to rebuild the nutrient density of our food—and, by extension, our own vitality.