Unknown

Dataset Information

0

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


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.

SUBMITTER: Hou E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6994524 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications

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

Hou Enqing E   Luo Yiqi Y   Kuang Yuanwen Y   Chen Chengrong C   Lu Xiankai X   Jiang Lifen L   Luo Xianzhen X   Wen Dazhi D  

Nature communications 20200131 1


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 7.0-1  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC3411694 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC5606506 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC2542866 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC5910803 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC5389782 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4833242 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC2842047 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC4661723 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9635832 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC4794702 | biostudies-literature