Net anthropogenic phosphorus inputs (NAPI) index application in Mainland China

► We studied phosphorus input more reasonable by taking seeding P into consideration. ► We analyzed spatial and temporal variation of phosphorus input in Mainland China. ► We analyzed the main components of net P input and their change. ► Fertilize phosphorus is the largest source of net anthropogenic phosphorus input. ► The primary factor of net anthropogenic phosphorus input change is total population.