Elevated atmospheric CO2 is associated with
decreased plant nitrogen concentration, and therefore
decreased protein, in many crops, such as barley, sorghum, and soy.210, 211,212,213 The nutrient
content of crops is also projected to decline if soil nitrogen levels are suboptimal, with reduced levels of nutrients such as calcium,
iron, zinc, vitamins, and sugars, although this effect is alleviated if sufficient nitrogen is supplied.214 Fourth, farmers are expected to need to use more herbicides and pesticides because of increased growth of pests215, 216,217,218 and weeds219, 220 as well as
decreased effectiveness221 and duration222of some of these chemicals (Ch.
Altered agricultural conditions, including extreme heat, expanded water demands, and increased severe weather events, will affect food availability and cost, particularly in vulnerable regions in which child undernutrition is already a major threat.43 The
decreased protein,
iron, and zinc
content of certain major crops has been demonstrated for plants grown under increased CO2 conditions, 44,45 carrying significant implications for child nutrition.