The Phosphorus Cycle

The movement of phosphorus from the environment to organisms and then back into the environment

phosphorus cycle

What is different about the phosphorus cycle?

it doesn't involve the atmosphere

Why is it important to humans?

needed to form bones and teeth, it's the P in ATP

Why is it such a slow process?

it has to go through rocks and doesn't involve the atmosphere

How do plants get phosphorus?

from soil, water, through their roots

How do animals get phosphorus?

by eating plants and animals

How is phosphorus added to soil and water?

rocks erode, phosphorus dissolves as phosphate (excretion and decomposition)

How do phosphates end up in the ocean?

runoff

How does phosphate end up in rocks?

sediment eventually turns back into rocks containing phosphorus in the ocean

What is PO4?

phosphate

How do people affect the phosphorus cycle?

fertilizers which can cause algal blooms