Phosphorus Cycle Flashcards

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Overview: What is the Phosphorus Cycle?

A biogeochemical cycle where phosphorus moves between:
• Rocks
• Soil
• Living organisms
• Water bodies

Phosphate Rock Formation

• Marine sediments
• Fossil remains
• Calcium phosphate deposits
• Takes millions of years

Weathering Process

• Physical/chemical breakdown
• Releases phosphates
• Enters soil solution
• Available to plants

Plant Uptake

• Absorb phosphate ions
• Through root hairs
• Used in ATP/DNA/RNA
• Essential for growth

Animal Consumption

• Eat plants/other animals
• Phosphorus in bones/teeth
• Used in ATP/DNA/RNA
• Essential for metabolism

Decomposition

• Dead organisms decay
• Decomposers break down matter
• Release phosphates
• Returns to soil

Leaching

• Phosphates wash away
• Enter water systems
• Rivers to oceans
• Some lost to sediments

Human Impact

• Mining phosphate rock
• Fertilizer production
• Agricultural runoff
• Water pollution

Eutrophication

• Excess phosphates in water
• Algal blooms
• Oxygen depletion
• Aquatic ecosystem damage

Agricultural Solutions

• Precision farming
• Buffer zones
• Controlled fertilizer use
• Soil testing

Mycorrhizal Fungi

• Symbiotic relationship
• Increase phosphate uptake
• Extend root system
• Improve plant growth

Conservation

• Reduce phosphate waste
• Recycle organic matter
• Protect water bodies
• Sustainable farming