Exploring the Effects of Nitrogen and Potassium on the Aromatic Characteristics of Ginseng Roots Using Non-Targeted Metabolomics Based on GC-MS and Multivariate Analysis

This study investigated individual/combined nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) deficiencies on ginseng root aroma using GC–MS metabolomics. Four treatments (normal supply, N deficiency (LN), K deficiency (LK), and dual deficiency (LNLK)) were analyzed. Deficien- cies impaired growth, mineral accumulation, and induced oxidative stress, suppressing ginsenoside biosynthesis. From 1768 detected VOCs, 304 compounds (rOAV ≥ 1) signifi- cantly contributed to aroma. LN inhibited terpenoids (e.g.,...