Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewed

Thresholds of target phosphorus fertility classes in European fertilizer recommendations in relation to critical soil test phosphorus values derived from the analysis of 55 European long-term field experiments

Kristin Steinfurth, Gunnar Börjesson, Pascal Denoroy, Bettina Eichler‐Löbermann, Wolfgang Gans, Johannes Heyn, Juliane Hirte, B. Huyghebaert, Claire Jouany, Koch Dierk, Ines Merbach, Markus Mokry, Alain Mollier, Christian Morel, Kerstin Panten, Edgar Peiter, P. R. Poulton, Thomas Reitz, Gitte Holton Rubæk, Heide Spiegel, Michael van Laak, Sabine von Tucher, Uwe Buczko

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · 2022

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Summary

This meta-analysis synthesised data from 55 long-term European field experiments to derive critical soil phosphorus values and examine their relationship to current European fertilizer recommendation systems. The work addresses variability in phosphorus fertility classification standards across Europe and provides evidence-based thresholds to guide nutrient management policy. As suggested by the title, the study bridges the gap between agronomic research findings and practical fertilizer recommendation frameworks used by farmers and advisers.

UK applicability

The findings are directly applicable to UK phosphorus management policy and advisory systems, as the United Kingdom participates in European harmonisation efforts on nutrient recommendations and soil testing standards. The critical value thresholds identified would inform revision of UK RB209 fertiliser recommendation guidelines and support evidence-based phosphorus stewardship to reduce environmental losses.

Key measures

Critical soil test phosphorus (STP) values; phosphorus fertility classes; crop yield response; phosphorus fertilizer recommendation thresholds across European systems

Outcomes reported

The study analysed phosphorus soil test critical values across 55 long-term European field experiments to establish relationships between soil phosphorus fertility classes and crop response thresholds. It examined alignment between European fertilizer recommendations and evidence-derived critical phosphorus values.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil fertility & nutrient management
Study type
Meta-analysis
Study design
Meta-analysis
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Europe
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.agee.2022.107926
Catalogue ID
SNmov5k7z1-q234uh

Topic tags

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