phosphorus cycle
The phosphorus cycle is the process by which phosphorus moves through the Earth’s systems—soil, water, plants, and animals. Unlike carbon and nitrogen, phosphorus does not have a gaseous form; it primarily exists in rocks and minerals. When these rocks weather, phosphorus is released into the soil and water, where plants absorb it as a nutrient. Animals obtain phosphorus by eating plants or other animals. When plants and animals die, phosphorus returns to the soil or sediments, eventually forming new rocks. This cycle is crucial for life, as phosphorus is essential for DNA, energy transfer, and cellular function.
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The phosphorus cycle describes the movement of phosphorus through the environment, crucial for plant growth and DNA formation. Unlike other nutrients, phosphorus does not enter the atmosphere; it primarily moves between soil, water, and living organisms. Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil, which then moves up the food chain as animals eat the plants. When plants and animals die, phosphorus returns to the soil, or it can wash into water bodies, contributing to aquatic life. Human activities, like fertilizer use, can disrupt this cycle, leading to environmental issues such as water pollution and algal blooms.