Differential Responses of Soil Phosphorus Fractions to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization: A Global Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to terrestrial ecosystems alter soil nutrient cycling. However, the global-scale responses of soil P fractions to N and P inputs and their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We conducted a global meta-analysis based on 818 observations of soil P fractions from 99 field N and P addition experiments in forest, grassland, and cropland ecosystems ranging from temperate to tropical zones. Our global meta-analysis revealed distinct responses of soil P fractions to N and P enrichment. For studies using the Chang and Jackson inorganic (Pi) method, we found that high N addition promoted the transformation of immobile Pi fractions into Ferrum/Aluminum-bound Pi and available Pi in surface soils through soil acidification. However, this acid-induced transformation of Pi fractions by N addition was observed only in Calcium-rich soils, while in acidic soils, further acidification led to increase P binding. In contrast, additions of P alone or combined with N significantly increased all soil Pi fractions. Regarding the Hedley P fractions, N addition generally decreased labile organic P by enhancing soil acid phosphatase activity. The responses of other P fractions were influenced by soil pH, fertilization rates, ecosystem type, and other factors. P addition increased most soil P fractions. Overall, both P fractionation methods consistently demonstrate that N inputs deplete soil P and accelerate P cycling, while P inputs increase most soil P fractions, alleviating P limitation. These findings are crucial for predicting the effects of future atmospheric N and P deposition on P cycling processes.