This article discusses the general effects of trace elements on health.  Copper is essential in man, it forms organic complexes and metallopoteins such as haemoglobin,  Copper also aids in blood clotting maturation of connective tissues, and development of bones.  Copper concentration in crops and forages depends on its concentration in soil, soil pH, plant species, crop management and climate.

Fluorine content of soil varies widely because of different parent material. Fluorine is rapidly absorbed by the body, and quickly enters the lattice of bone crystal structure permanently, and stimulates new bone growth.  The link between fluorine and dental health has already been clearly established. 

Iodine is an essential constituent for thyroid development, and goiter- and endemic disease linked to lack of iodine, is well known.  It is stated that only 20% of the I intake by humans comes from water, while the remaining 80% comes from food, leaving the Iodine content of soil as an important factor in human health.  Iodine concentrations in soil are variable, leaching of I from soil is correlated with low organic matter and clay, while more acidic soil increases the adsorption of Iodine.

Selenium is an important component of the enzymes responsible for the antioxidant defense systems of the body.  Selenium occurs naturally in all soils as a trace element - its availability is affected by the presence of other ions in soil: phosphate displaces Se, which leads to an increase uptake by plants.  The addition of lime to soils increases the availability to plants, and soil texture also affects the uptake of Se by plants, with studies finding a negative relation between the soil clay content and Se in plant tissues.

Zinc is a structural component of many enzymes involved in energy and metabolism, and is important for the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.  Zinc deficiency in soil is widespread in many countries, and the availability of Zn depends greatly on pH, with Zn being mobile in acidic soils.