%0 Journal Article
%T Global evidence for joint effects of multiple natural and anthropogenic drivers on soil nitrogen cycling.
%A Zhang Y
%A Cheng X
%A Terrer C
%A Choi WJ
%A Chen J
%A Luo Y
%A Ciais P
%J Glob Chang Biol
%V 30
%N 5
%D 2024 May
%M 38747209
%F 13.211
%R 10.1111/gcb.17309
%X 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.