Crop residue‐derived carbon (C) emissions and priming effects (PE) in cropland soils can influence the global C cycle. However, their corresponding generality, driving factors, and responses to nitrogen (N) inputs are poorly understood. As a result, the total C emissions and net C balance also remain mysterious. To address the above knowledge gaps, a meta‐analysis of 1123 observations, taken from 51 studies world‐wide, has bee...