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

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…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 4000158404, DEB 1655499, 1655499
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: DE-SC0006982, 4000161830, SC0006982, DE-SC00114085
• NA
  Northern Arizona University
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 31870464, 41401326, 41471443, 41973076
• OR
  Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  Awards: 4000161830, 4000158404