The effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supply on the isoflavone content of leaves of red clover (trifolium pratensel.)

Abstract

The oestrogenic activity of subterranean and red clovers has been attributed to the presence of weakly oestrogenic isoflavones (Moule, Braden, and Lamond 1963). Studies of physiological and environmental factors which might influence the isoflavone content of plants therefore have nutritional relevance. This paper briefly reports the effects on isofiavone levels of growing red clover plants in nutrient solutions containing varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.