Summary
This meta-analysis synthesised data from 55 long-term field experiments across Europe to establish empirically-derived critical soil phosphorus thresholds and evaluate their alignment with extant European fertilizer recommendation frameworks. Substantial heterogeneity in phosphorus fertility standards exists across European advisory systems, hindering harmonised nutrient management. The study provides an evidence base for harmonising phosphorus recommendations and informing policy and practical advisory guidance.
Regional applicability
The UK participates in harmonised European soil testing and fertilizer recommendation protocols; inclusion of UK long-term trials (such as those at Rothamsted) in this meta-analysis suggests direct applicability to UK advisory systems. Findings may support alignment of UK phosphorus recommendations with broader European thresholds, though site-specific soil and climatic factors remain locally important.
Key measures
Critical soil phosphorus test values (likely in mg/kg or equivalent regional units); phosphorus fertility classification thresholds; crop yield response curves; comparison between empirical thresholds and existing recommendation systems
Outcomes reported
The study synthesised data from 55 long-term European field experiments to derive empirically-based critical soil phosphorus values and compared these with current European fertilizer recommendation systems. It quantified the concordance (or divergence) between experimentally-derived P thresholds and the fertility classes used in existing advisory frameworks across different European regions.
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