Predicting soil N mineralization using organic matter fractions and soil properties: A re-analysis of literature data

► Mineralization of soil organic N primarily depends on organic matter levels in soil. ► Soil texture, OM quality and acidity have few power to predict N mineralization in soils. ► Use of soil N tests is only valid under steady state conditions. ► Combining single EOM fractions does not improve the prediction of N mineralization. ► Knowledge of underlying mechanisms is required to select a functional EOM fraction.