1.6 The Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle

The movement of phosphorus atoms/molecules between sources and sinks.

Major Reservoirs of Phosphorus

Rocks and sediments containing phosphorus minerals.

Limiting Nutrient

Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient for plant growth, as it is essential in low quantities.

Phosphate (PO4-3)

The form of phosphorus that dissolves into soil and water after weathering.

Natural Sources of Phosphorus

Weathering of rocks that releases phosphate into the environment.

Synthetic Sources of Phosphorus

Mining phosphate minerals for fertilizers and detergents.

Eutrophication

A process caused by excess nutrients like N & P that leads to algal blooms.

Algal Blooms

Rapid increases in algae populations due to high nutrient levels, leading to ecological harm.

Assimilation

The process by which plants absorb phosphates and incorporate them into their tissues.

Decomposition

The process by which decomposers return phosphate to the soil when organisms decay.

Sedimentation

The process where phosphates settle at the bottom of water bodies, forming sediments.

Geological Uplift

The process that exposes sediments, allowing them to become sedimentary rock and restarting the phosphorus cycle.