APES - Phosphorus Cycle

phosphorus cycle

movement of P atoms & molecules between sources & sinks/reservoirs

natural source

weathering of rocks that contain P minerals

synthetic source

synthetic fertilizers that support roles in plant growth

assimilation

the absorption of phosphorus into plant roots and conversion into tissue, or the consumption of plants or animals by other animals

excretion

animal waste, plant matter & other biomass is broken down by bacteria/soil decomposers that return phosphate to soil

decomposition

animal waste, plant matter & other biomass is broken down by bacteria/soil decomposers that return phosphate to soil

sedimentation

phosphate doesn’t dissolve very well into water, much of it forms solid bits of phosphate that fall to the bottom as sediment

geological uplift

tectonic plate collision forcing up rock layers that form mountains; P cycle can start over again with weathering & release of phosphate from rock

eutrophication

excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen