The dataset for the meta-analysis collected results from papers published between 1993 and February 2023 in the field. Data were collected from 135 peer-reviewed papers on 970 paired observations of soil microbial biomass phosphorus influenced by agricultural practices. All common management practices were included, such as application of mineral fertilizers, organic amendments (including application of straw, manure, biochar, compost, etc.), intercropping, and no- or reduced-tillage. In addition, the dataset includes metadata on categories of variables related to microbial biomass phosphorus, such as environmental, agronomic, and other soil characteristics.