Watercress is a nutrient-dense, aquatic leafy vegetable with significant public health
and economic potential. Hydroponically cultivated watercress can offer greater nutritional
benefits due to the controlled delivery of specific nutrients. From an agronomist’s
perspective, watercress has the advantage of optimized environmental resource efficiency,
achieved through reduced energy, chemical, and water consumption, as well as its short
cultivation cycle. Glucosinolates (GSLs) in watercress enhance sustainable agriculture
by naturally protecting crops from pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical
inputs. They also increase market value and shelf-life, supporting resource-efficient
and profitable farming. Within the pharmaceutical space, GSLs are well-known for their
chemo preventive and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to summarize research
findings, critically evaluate existing studies to highlight current knowledge, and
identify research gaps, and to guide future investigations. The synthesis of the reviewed
literature demonstrates that increased sulphate generally improves GSL content. However,
not many studies have looked specifically at how magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) affects
watercress. This review highlights the specific impact of MgSO4 on GSL production
in watercress, which could provide valuable insights for optimizing nutrient management
in hydroponic systems and enhancing the health benefits of this nutrient-dense crop.
