Overview
The phosphorus cycle is a vital ecological process that describes how phosphorus moves through the environment, from soil to plants and animals, and back again. Phosphorus is essential for life, playing a key role in DNA, RNA, and energy transfer through ATP. Unlike other nutrients, phosphorus does ...
Key Terms
Example: Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil.
Example: Forests, lakes, and deserts are different ecosystems.
Example: Fungi and bacteria are important decomposers.
Example: The nitrogen cycle is another important nutrient cycle.
Example: Farmers use fertilizers to increase crop yields.
Example: Fertilizer runoff can lead to algal blooms in lakes.
Related Topics
Nitrogen Cycle
The process by which nitrogen moves through the environment, similar to phosphorus.
intermediateCarbon Cycle
The cycle of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.
intermediateEutrophication
The process where water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to plant growth and oxygen depletion.
advancedKey Concepts
Phosphorus SourcesBiological UptakeDecompositionHuman Impact