Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus is an essential chemical used by organisms as a main component on DNA. Also phosphorus is needed for cell development, lipids; but is a key component of molecules that store energy, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Most of the phosphorus on Earth is stored within soil, water or rocks; mainly in the form of phosphate. Phosphate is actually very limited in the soil, that is why people add fertilizer that has an extra amount of phosphate.


Steps of the cycle:
1. Rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions
2. Phosphate is distribute into the soil and into the water
3. Plants absorb the phosphate through their roots, the phosphate is used to help the plant grow
4. Plant eating animals then consume the plants, the phosphorus is then used for DNA and RNA
5. Then when the animal dies, the inorganic form of phosphate is returned into the soil
5b. When plants die, the inorganic form of phosphate is returned into the soil
6. Within the soil, organic forms of phosphate can be made available to plants by bacteria ( process is known as mineralisation ).
7. Phosphorus in soil can end up in waterways and eventually oceans. Once there, it can go into sediments over time.

Locked In:
most of the phosphorus on earth is locked up in sediments and rocks. which it’s not available for plants to use. A lot of the phosphorus in soil is also unavailable for plants to use.

Human Affect:
mining the phosphorus and distributing it on farm land. people put too much on and the excess is washed into rivers and dams, with rain and excess water. 

Fun Facts:

• once phosphorus gets lost during runoff, it remains lost from the cycle forever.
• When too much phosphorus containing fertilizer is washed into the ocean, it causes an increase in algae growth called an algae bloom.
• The phosphorus cycle occurs much slower than other biochemical cycles
• Once phosphorus enters a plant or animal, it moves through the organism very quickly.
• Phosphorus is responsible for holding DNA together.
• Animals receive phosphorus directly by eating plants or indirectly by eating plant eating animals.

Video: Talks about nitrogen cycle but then talks about the phosphorus cycle.