Distant views and local realities: the limits of global assessments to restore the fragmented phosphorus cycle

With more sophisticated data compilation and analytical capabilities, the evolution of “big data” analysis has occurred rapidly. We examine the meta-analysis of “big data” representing phosphorus (P) flows and stocks in global agriculture and address the need to consider local nuances of farm operations to avoid erroneous or misleading recommendations. Of concern is the disconnect between macro-needs for better P resource management at regional and national scales versus local realities of P management at farm scales. Both agricultural and environmental researchers should focus on providing solutions to disconnects identified by meta-analyses and ensure that production and conservation strategies consider farming realities.