As N:P ratio is one of the main topics of plant ecology research in the last few years, I was wondering if there is any possibility to obtain a ratio between net N min and available P. Considering only available nutrients in soil, not just total N and P, to get any proportion between them.
N:P ratio is one of parameter to know the level of nitrogen and phosphorus. Variability in the values of N-mineralization and available-P is perhaps a functional attributes of present soil microorganisms. In both cases, soil moisture significantly affects the size, quantity and functional activities of microbes. Thus, due to effect of soil moisture, a significant variation in the values of N-mineralization and available -P will be reflected. Moreover, mechanisms of available-P did not follow any pattern across any dependent factors. Therefore, N-mineralization and available-P ratio will not reflect any trend or pattern like C:N ratio does.
Dear Dr Francesca,
I think your query deserve attention, even if Dr Anand has rightly drown attention to the proven limiting factors impacting significantly on biological mineralization in soil. However overlooking P in the process is in my opinion a wrong approach. One thing that comes to mind is the high requirement for soluble P by N-fixing leguminous species and P is also the most limiting factor of eutrophication. Since the N fixing and mineralization are both mediated by microbes the contribution of P should not therefore be overlooked.
Poor correlation between parameters is considered as absence of relationship and this absence is often due to narrow range of one parameter over the other and the statistical test is unable to resolve the existing relationship or is not sensitive enough. The C, N and P levels in soil are very good illustration.
So good luck in your investigation
Yes, it is good discussion and valid points given by Dr. Jean Paul for Dr. Francesca,'s question.
Good luck
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