Phosphorus Cycle. Cyclic movement of phosphorus in different chemical forms from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment Phosphorus.

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