Litter inputs and phosphatase activity affect the temporal variability of organic phosphorus in a tropical forest soil in the Central Amazon

Abstract Purpose The tropical phosphorus cycle and its relation to soil (P) availability are a major uncertainty in projections of forest productivity. In highly weathered soils with low P concentrations, plant microbial communities depend on abiotic biotic processes acquire P. We explored the seasonality relative importance drivers controlling fluctuation common pools via such as litter production decomposition, phosphatase activity. Methods analyzed intra-annual variation using modified Hedley sequential fractionation scheme. addition, we measured litterfall, mobilization from extracellular enzyme activity tested their fluctuations P- fractions. Results Our results showed clear patterns seasonal variability fractions during year. found that modeled released decomposition was positively related change organic fractions, while net negatively activities top 5 cm. Conclusion conclude input by potential two main factors fluctuations, therefore economy impoverished soils. Organic followed pattern, indicating tight cycling nutrient, reinforcing studying an integrated dynamic system context.