Phosphorus Cycle

Chapter 1: Weathering Causes Phosphorus

• The phosphorus cycle is a nutrient cycle, also known as the sedimentary cycle.
• Phosphorus is a poisonous, combustible non-metal used in fireworks, explosives, matches, toothpaste, and fertilizers.
• In nature, phosphorus is found in water, soil, and sediments; essential for plants and animals.
• Humans have phosphorus in bones and teeth, energy storage molecules, and cell membrane fats.
• Weathering moves phosphorus slowly from rock formations and ocean sediments to soil; plants absorb it.
• Animals obtain phosphorus by eating plants or other plant-eating animals.
• Decomposition returns phosphorus to soils and oceans.
• High phosphorus levels boost plant growth; farmers use phosphorus-rich fertilizers.

Chapter 2: Increasing Phosphorus Concentration

• Fertilizer runoff increases phosphorus concentration in lakes, rivers, and oceans.
• This leads to environmental problems like algal blooms.
• The phosphorus cycle differs from other nutrient cycles because it does not reach the atmosphere and is slower overall.