Phosphorus cycle
Phosphorus Cycle
The Phosphorus Cycle (pronunciation: /ˈfɒsfərəs ˈsaɪkəl/) is a biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike many other biogeochemical cycles, the atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based compounds are usually solids at the typical ranges of temperature and pressure found on Earth.
Etymology
The term "Phosphorus Cycle" is derived from the element Phosphorus (from the Greek phōs meaning "light", and phoros meaning "bearer"), and the Latin cyclos meaning "circle".
Process
The phosphorus cycle involves four major steps:
- Weathering: Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks containing phosphate to break down and phosphate is released.
- Absorption by Plants and Animals: Most phosphorus is consumed by plants and animals in the form of phosphates. When animals and plants die, phosphates will return to the soils or oceans again during decay.
- Return to the Environment: After death, the animal or plant decays, and the phosphates are returned to the soil. Some phosphates are also returned to the soil through animal waste.
- Geologic Uplift: Over long periods of geological time, phosphorus-bearing sedimentary layers are uplifted and become land again.
Importance
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. It is a part of DNA, RNA, ATP, and also the phospholipids, which form all cell membranes. Scientists can track the fate of phosphorus fertilizers in the environment, which is important because phosphorus runoff is a significant problem for water systems.
Related Terms
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.