Expanding the Paradigm: The influence of climate and lithology on soil phosphorus

The fate of phosphorus (P) during pedogenesis has been historically conceptualized (Walker-Syers model) with time as the primary controlling state factor. Herein, we demonstrate that both climate and lithology exert a strong interacting influence on P by examining coupled bioclimatic parent material effects soil fractions. Three transects were investigated spanning 2150-m elevation gradient (MAT = 17 ? 3 °C/MAP 330 1400 mm) across three separate bedrock lithologies (lithosequence: granite, andesite basalt) within Sierra Nevada southern Cascades California. entails four zones (bioclimosequence: blue oak, ponderosa pine, white fir red fir). Soil fractions determined sequential fractionation interpreted in context associated characterization data. sequences weathering maximum intensity at mid-elevation sites, corresponding changes Fe/Al-(hydr)oxide content aluminosilicate crystallinity. Phosphorus varied an order magnitude (mean; mg kg?1): (1500) > basalt (1000) granite (131). Differences influenced Pt soils. However, amounts proportions subtle to significant interactions between lithology, owing differences chemical abundance crystallinity Fe/Al-(hydr)oxides aluminosilicates. This interactive effect clay mineralogy led dependent upon zone. Labile inorganic (Pi) was uniformly higher soils derived from despite having significantly lower content, result generation granitic With descending increased intensity, HCl-Pi (primary mineral bound P-apatite) declined but remained unchanged its greater resistance weathering. As increased, occluded basalt, decreased contradicting paradigm progressive occlusion incongruity for results dominance poorly crystalline materials (e.g., ferrihydrite, allophane/imogolite) less weathered sites versus more minerals sites. study highlights several caveats (i.e., degree weathering) is universally dominant pedogenic control fractionation. We identify importance regulating amount types products turn ecosystem availability.