Ammonium nitrogen input increases the synthesis of anticarcinogenic compounds in broccoli

In the quest for less contaminating fertilizing strategies, a study has explored the use of ammonium-based fertilizers, less widely used than the nitrate for fertilizing owing to the reduced growth displayed by the plants. The comparison between these two sources of nitrogen has revealed a higher amount of glucosinolates in the case of ammonium nutrition. This gives the plants greater insecticidal capacity and this is of great interest nutritionally as these are anticarcinogenic substances.