The phosphorus cycle

The phosphorus cycle describes how phosphorus moves through the environment, primarily between the soil, rocks, plants, animals, and water. Phosphorus is released from rocks through weathering and gets into the soil. Plants absorb it for growth, and animals eat plants to get phosphorus. When plants and animals die, decomposers break down their remains, returning phosphorus to the soil. Some phosphorus washes into water bodies, supporting aquatic life. Over time, it can settle and become part of new rocks, completing the cycle. Unlike other cycles, phosphorus doesn't have a gaseous phase and mainly moves through land and water systems.