Effect of soil management practice on soil phosphorus dynamics: A meta-analysis

Soil phosphorus (P) is pivotal for crop health and growth. We collated a dataset spanning 65 studies from 19 countries to quantify the effects of both natural and anthropogenic factors on P dynamics (dataset provided). Our meta-analysis encompassed five variables: the type of fertilizer (chemical or organic fertilizer), tillage practices (tillage or no-till), land use (cultivated or forest), soil texture (either loam soil or sandy loam soil) and soil depth (surface or subsurface). The interplay between soil management strategies, especially those encompassing fertilizer application and tillage, and soil phosphorus dynamics is well established. Our quantitative data suggests the use of organic fertilizers relates to a significant 82% increase in soil Olsen-P content. Additionally, while the no-till method has resulted in only a slight 1.6% increase in Total-P, it has brought about a remarkable 60% increase in organic phosphorus, especially NaHCO3-Po, in contrast to conventionally tilled soils. Further, we found that the concentrations of Total-P and Olsen-P in surface loam soils is elevated, being 24.8% and 1023.6% higher, respectively, compared with subsurface loam soils. In sandy loam soils, these values are 35.3% and 872.2% higher, respectively. These meta-analysis data highlight how soil management practices can cause variation in P species in soil. They not only underscore potential strategies for refined phosphorus use in diverse farming contexts but also pave the way for further research focusing on agricultural P management.