A meta-analysis highlights globally widespread potassium limitation in terrestrial ecosystems

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#ecosystem #potassium #nitrogen #climate #soil

A meta-analysis highlights globally widespread potassium limitation in terrestrial ecosystems

Chen et al., 2024 | New Phytol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Chen Baozhang, Fang Jingchun, ... Luo Yiqi. A meta-analysis highlights globally widespread potassium limitation in terrestrial ecosystems. New Phytol. 2024-Jan;241(1):154-165. doi:10.1111/nph.19294

Abstract

Potassium (K+ ) is the most abundant inorganic cation in plant cells, playing a critical role in various plant functions. However, the impacts of K on natural terrestrial ecosystems have been less studied compared with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Here, we present a global meta-analysis aimed at quantifying the response of aboveground production to K addition. This analysis is based on 144 field K fertilization experiments. We also investigate the influences of climate, soil properties, ecosystem types, and fertilizer regimes on the responses of aboveground production. We find that: K addition significantly increases aboveground production by 12.3% (95% CI: 7.4-17.5%), suggesting a widespread occurrence of K limitation across terrestrial ecosystems; K limitation is more prominent in regions with humid climates, acidic soils, or weathered soils; the effect size of K addition varies among climate zones/regions, and is influenced by multiple factors; and previous N : K and K : P thresholds utilized to detect K limitation in wetlands cannot be applied to other biomes. Our findings emphasize the role of K in limiting terrestrial productivity, which should be integrated into future terrestrial ecosystems models.

Key Findings

Our findings emphasize the role of K in limiting terrestrial productivity, which should be integrated into future terrestrial ecosystems models.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Ecosystem
  • Potassium
  • Nitrogen
  • Climate
  • Soil
  • Phosphorus

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Journal Article
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09