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

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. Plain Language Summary Human activities have increased the amount of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the environment, which has led to changes in the soil nutrients cycle. This study examined the global‐scale responses of soil P fractions to N and P inputs using a data set from 99 field experiments worldwide. The findings revealed distinct responses of soil P fractions to N and P enrichment. High N input resulted in the transformation of immobile inorganic P (Pi) fractions into available Pi in surface soils. This transformation was observed in calcium‐rich soils due to soil acidification. In contrast, in acidic soils, the acidification led to increased Pi binding. Moreover, N input generally decreased labile organic P, potentially by enhancing soil enzyme activity. Addition of P alone or combined with N significantly inc