Background and aims: The increasing deposition of atmospheric nitrogen (N) due to anthropogenic activities has significantly enhanced N inputs to ecosystems, resulting in an imbalance in the N: phosphorus (P) ratios in plants and soils. This study aimed to determine whether, and to what extent, P addition alleviates N-induced P limitation in a desert steppe ecosystem. Methods: We conducted a multi-level N:P supply experiment (i.e., constant N with varied P-addition levels) for a grass species,...