Inappropriate selection of crops for non-nutritional qualities

Crops and planting sites are increasingly selected for productivity, but also for machine pickability, resistance to pests, shelf life, and cosmetic appearance. Selection for such non-nutritional qualities is likely to reduce nutrient content. Often produce is grown, areas that is not suitable for them and this can result in loss of nutrients. Monoculture tends to deplete the soil of those minerals vital to the nutrient value and health of the plant.