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. 2024 May;30(5):e17309.
doi: 10.1111/gcb.17309.

Global evidence for joint effects of multiple natural and anthropogenic drivers on soil nitrogen cycling

Yong Zhang  1 , Xiaoli Cheng  1 , Cesar Terrer  2 , Woo-Jung Choi  3 , Ji Chen  4 , Yiqi Luo  5 , Philippe Ciais  6
Affiliations

Global evidence for joint effects of multiple natural and anthropogenic drivers on soil nitrogen cycling

Yong Zhang et al. Glob Chang Biol. 2024 May.

Abstract

Global soil nitrogen (N) cycling remains poorly understood due to its complex driving mechanisms. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of global soil δ15N, a stable isotopic signature indicative of the N input-output balance, using a machine-learning approach on 10,676 observations from 2670 sites. Our findings reveal prevalent joint effects of climatic conditions, plant N-use strategies, soil properties, and other natural and anthropogenic forcings on global soil δ15N. The joint effects of multiple drivers govern the latitudinal distribution of soil δ15N, with more rapid N cycling at lower latitudes than at higher latitudes. In contrast to previous climate-focused models, our data-driven model more accurately simulates spatial changes in global soil δ15N, highlighting the need to consider the joint effects of multiple drivers to estimate the Earth's N budget. These insights contribute to the reconciliation of discordances among empirical, theoretical, and modeling studies on soil N cycling, as well as sustainable N management.

Keywords: Rayleigh theory; climatic conditions; natural and anthropogenic forcings; nitrogen isotope; plant traits; soil properties.

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