Influence of Soil Properties on P Pools and Its Effect on Forest Productivity in Mediterranean Calcareous Soils

Although soil phosphorus is essential for vegetation growth it not always found in labile forms, hampering its absorption by plants, and limited forest ecosystems. This study explores P state availability calcareous soils, determining which processes affect different pools parameters influence productivity of a Mediterranean pine species. We used sequential fractionation method to determine fractions the according their lability organic or inorganic nature. Those were related climatic site index 32 Pinus halepensis plots National Spanish Forest Inventory. Soil texture, carbonates content, water retention capacity matter substantially affected soils studied. Membrane extractable was mainly influenced matter-related while predominant fraction these primary P, linked content. The biological mineralization played key role cycle. Total texture drove studied plots.