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Phosphorus Cycle Info Sheet

The phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms. Phosphorus is essential for plant and animal growth but is gradually depleted from soil through weathering. It cycles slowly through ecosystems as it is absorbed by organisms from soil and water, returns to the environment through decomposition, and eventually forms into new rocks. Human activities like fertilizer use and food distribution have significantly impacted the phosphorus cycle by increasing phosphorus levels in waterways and harming aquatic life.

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John Osborne
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574 views

Phosphorus Cycle Info Sheet

The phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms. Phosphorus is essential for plant and animal growth but is gradually depleted from soil through weathering. It cycles slowly through ecosystems as it is absorbed by organisms from soil and water, returns to the environment through decomposition, and eventually forms into new rocks. Human activities like fertilizer use and food distribution have significantly impacted the phosphorus cycle by increasing phosphorus levels in waterways and harming aquatic life.

Uploaded by

John Osborne
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle Definition


The phosphorus cycle is the process by which phosphorus moves through the lithosphere, hydrosphere,
and biosphere. Phosphorus is essential for plant and animal growth, as well as the health of microbes
inhabiting the soil, but is gradually depleted from the soil over time. The main biological function of
phosphorus is that it is required for the formation of DNA and RNA molecules. Calcium phosphate is
also the primary component of mammalian bones and teeth, insect exoskeletons, membranes of cells, and
is used in a variety of other biological functions. The phosphorus cycle is an extremely slow process, as
various weather conditions (e.g., rain and erosion) help to wash the phosphorus found in rocks into the
soil. In the soil, the organic matter (e.g., plants and fungi) absorb the phosphorus to be used for various
biological processes.

Phosphorus Cycle Steps


The phosphorus cycle is a slow process, which involves six key steps, as shown in the diagram below and
described as follows:

1. Weathering
Since the main source of phosphorus is found in rocks, the first step of the phosphorus cycle
involves the extraction of phosphorus from the rocks by weathering. Weather events, such as rain
and other sources of erosion, result in phosphorus being washed into the soil.

2. Absorption and Assimilation by Plants


Once in the soil, plants, fungi, and microorganisms are able to absorb phosphorus and grow. In
addition, phosphorus can also be washed into the local water systems. Plants can also directly
absorb phosphorus from the water and grow. In addition to plants, animals also obtain phosphorus
from drinking water and eating plants.
3. Consuming and Assimilation by Animals
Animals obtain their phosphorous by eating plants, or by eating other animals which have eaten
plants.

4. Return to the Environment via Decomposition


When plants and animals die, decomposition results in the return of phosphorus back to the
environment in water or soil. Plants and animals in these environments can then use this
phosphorus, and step 2 of the cycle is repeated.

5. Precipitation and Sedimentation form new Rocks


Of course lots of the phosphorous which is returned to the soil or water by decomposition is not
recycled back into plants. Instead it is sedimented to the bottom of the sea, where it becomes
incorporated into rocks.

6. Uplift of Rocks
Different geological processes, such as volcanoes and earthquakes might eventually lift these
rocks into mountains, where the complete phosphorous cycle can start all over again.

Human Impact on the Phosphorus Cycle


Humans have had a significant impact on the phosphorus cycle due to a variety of human
activities, such as the use of fertilizer, the distribution of food products, and artificial
eutrophication. Fertilizers containing phosphorus add to the phosphorus levels in the soil and are
particularly harmful when such products are washed into local water ecosystems. When
phosphorus is added to waters naturally, it is referred to as natural eutrophication. A natural
supply of phosphorus over time provides nutrients to the water and serves to increase the
productivity of that particular ecosystem. However, when foods are shipped from farms to cities,
the substantial levels of Phosphorus that is drained into the water systems is called artificial or
anthropogenic (caused by humans) eutrophication. When levels of phosphorus are too high, the
overabundance of plant nutrients drives excessive growth of water plants like algae. However,
these algae die or form algae blooms, which are toxic to the plants and animals in the ecosystem.
Thus, human activities serve to harm aquatic ecosystems, whenever excess amounts of
phosphorus are leached into the water.

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