Chemical Forms of Nitrogen Fertilizers Differentially Influence the Content and Composition of Aroma Volatiles and Phytonutrients in Strawberry Fruits

Summary

This study investigates how the chemical form of nitrogen fertiliser — such as ammonium versus nitrate sources — influences fruit quality in strawberries, specifically targeting aroma volatile profiles and phytonutrient content. Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2025, the work contributes to a growing body of evidence that fertiliser management decisions shape not only crop yield but also the nutritional and sensory quality of produce. The authors, affiliated with Clemson University, provide comparative data suggesting that nitrogen source is a meaningful lever for optimising fruit composition beyond conventional agronomic metrics.

UK applicability

Although the study was likely conducted under US growing conditions, the findings are broadly applicable to UK strawberry production, where nitrogen fertiliser management is a key consideration for growers under increasing pressure to optimise input efficiency and fruit quality. UK growers and advisers could draw on the results to inform fertiliser choice, particularly in protected or polytunnel strawberry systems where nitrogen form can be precisely managed.

Key measures

Aroma volatile compound profiles (GC-MS or similar); phytonutrient concentrations including polyphenols, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid (mg/kg or mg/100g fresh weight); nitrogen form treatment comparisons

Outcomes reported

The study measured how different chemical forms of nitrogen fertiliser (e.g. ammonium-based vs. nitrate-based sources) affect the concentration and composition of aroma volatile compounds and phytonutrients (such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid) in strawberry fruits. It likely reports differential effects of nitrogen form on fruit quality metrics beyond yield.

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