Summary
This critical review synthesises the complex, multifactorial regulation of soil organic matter priming by nitrogen inputs. The authors propose that nitrogen-driven suppression of priming has been inadequately attributed to osmotic stress and pH changes affecting microbial metabolism, and advocate for multi-omics and spatial imaging techniques to clarify the mechanistic links between microbial traits, soil carbon distribution, and nitrogen response—particularly in the context of elevated atmospheric CO₂ and plant-mediated nutrient cycling.
Regional applicability
The findings are applicable to United Kingdom temperate soils and farming systems where nitrogen fertiliser inputs are routine. The mechanistic understanding developed through this review could inform nitrogen management practices in UK arable and grassland systems, though specific UK field validation would be required to confirm the magnitude of priming effects under local climate and soil conditions.
Key measures
Priming effect magnitude and direction; soil organic carbon cycling; microbial community responses to nitrogen addition; soil properties (organic carbon stability, nitrogen availability, electrical conductivity, pH, pH buffer capacity)
Outcomes reported
This critical review synthesised key factors regulating the priming effect (PE) of soil organic matter in response to nitrogen addition, examining carbon-substrate properties, nitrogen rates and forms, soil characteristics, and temporal dynamics. The review identified that nitrogen-induced suppression of the PE often reflects direct microbial metabolic stress rather than nutrient-limitation mechanisms.
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