Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle• Cyclic movement of phosphorus in different

chemical forms from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment

• Phosphorus NEVER enters the atmosphere!• Very slow cycle

Why is it important?• Used in bones, teeth, nucleic acids (DNA),

phospholipids, and cell membranes

How do plants and animals get phosphorus?

• Plants: obtain phosphorus from water and soil

• Animals: obtain phosphorus from eating plants or other animals

How does phosphorus get into the soil?

• Erosion: wearing away of rock

• Weathering: chemical breakdown of rock due to precipitation

How does phosphorus get into the soil?

• Waste– Urine and feces

• Decay