Does extrapolating temperature for time suitably represent soil phosphorus processes? A review

• Previous experiments used temperature to expedite soil phosphorus sorption reactions. • Soil phosphorus temperature studies often ignore biochemical and biological processes. • Users should be conscious of the potential information lost during extrapolation. By employing the Arrhenius equation to model the thermodynamic variations in soil solution phosphorus (P), researchers may hypothetically incubate soil at higher temperatures to shorten the time required to complete identical reactions at lower temperatures. However, there is no well-laid-out framework available, nor is there an adequate exploration in the literature of how temperature extrapolation impacts the soil P cycle. Consequently, this review examines how temperature affects soil solution P concentrations, previous breakthroughs, the complete methodology, and the key shortcomings identified by the authors. First, we explore how temperature affects soil P processes (i.e., sorption–desorption, precipitation-dissolution, and immobilization-mineralization) and whether the literature supports the use of the Arrhenius model. While most investigations examining temperature and the Arrhenius equation focused on sorption–desorption, omitting investigations of precipitation-dissolution may have overestimated the results. Furthermore, some P mineralization-immobilization reactions deviate from the Arrhenius equation and requires a separate model to describe reaction rates above optimal temperatures. The review clarifies and explores the methodology used to shorten the time needed to accelerate soil P reaction rates. Foremost, we argue for concurrent measurements of biochemical and biological processes to confirm the dominance of abiotic reactions. Finally, the review considers the limitations, and methodological best-practices (including the recommended soil test) before employing the technique. As soil researchers stress the requirement for novel methodologies to probe previously unexamined parts of the soil P cycle, an introduction to the concept provides an opportunity to harmonize temperature for time extrapolation practices while avoiding erroneous results.