The Missing Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Dimensions of Leaf N:P as a Nutrient‐Limitation Diagnostic

Key Points

• This research examines the effectiveness of leaf N:P and C:P ratios in diagnosing nutrient limitations across ecosystems. It questions the reliability of these metrics due to species turnover and evolutionary factors.
• Evaluated leaf N:P and C:P ratios across various ecosystems.
• Analyzed the impact of species turnover and evolutionary adaptation on nutrient diagnostics.
• Leaf N:P and C:P ratios did not accurately reflect nutrient limitations across ecosystems.
• Species turnover significantly affected the interpretation of nutrient metrics.