The P cycle

The P cycle, or phosphorus cycle, describes how phosphorus moves through the environment. Phosphorus is essential for life, playing a key role in DNA, RNA, and energy transfer. It mainly moves from rocks and minerals into soil and water through weathering. Plants absorb phosphorus, which then enters the food chain when animals eat them. When organisms die, phosphorus returns to the soil through decomposition. It can also leach into water bodies, promoting algae growth. Human activities, like fertilizer use, can disrupt this cycle, leading to environmental issues such as water pollution and eutrophication.