Global meta-analysis shows pervasive phosphorus limitation of aboveground plant production in natural terrestrial ecosystems

Enqing Hou (), Yiqi Luo, Yuanwen Kuang, Chengrong Chen, Xiankai Lu, Lifen Jiang, Xianzhen Luo and Dazhi Wen ()
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Enqing Hou: South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yiqi Luo: Northern Arizona University
Yuanwen Kuang: South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chengrong Chen: Griffith University
Xiankai Lu: South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lifen Jiang: Northern Arizona University
Xianzhen Luo: South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Dazhi Wen: South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Phosphorus (P) limitation of aboveground plant production is usually assumed to occur in tropical regions but rarely elsewhere. Here we report that such P limitation is more widespread and much stronger than previously estimated. In our global meta-analysis, almost half (46.2%) of 652 P-addition field experiments reveal a significant P limitation on aboveground plant production. Globally, P additions increase aboveground plant production by 34.9% in natural terrestrial ecosystems, which is 7.0–15.9% higher than previously suggested. In croplands, by contrast, P additions increase aboveground plant production by only 13.9%, probably because of historical fertilizations. The magnitude of P limitation also differs among climate zones and regions, and is driven by climate, ecosystem properties, and fertilization regimes. In addition to confirming that P limitation is widespread in tropical regions, our study demonstrates that P limitation often occurs in other regions. This suggests that previous studies have underestimated the importance of altered P supply on aboveground plant production in natural terrestrial ecosystems.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14492-w

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