Phosphorus cycle
Phosphorus is found in nature , in soil , as rock phosphate , in combination with calcium , iron and aluminium. It is the significant part of DNA , RNA and ATP . Human contain 80 percent of phosphorus in teeth and bones.
It is a very slow process. Various weather processes help to wash the phosphorus present in the rocks into the soil . Phosphorus is absorbed by the organic matter in the soil which is used for various biological processes. It is a solid cycle and atomosphere does not play role in this cycle.
STEPS OF PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
Following are the important steps of phosphorus cycle:
- Weathering
- Absorption by Plants
- Absorption by Animals
- Return to the Environment through Decomposition
Phosphorus is found in the rocks in abundance. That is why the phosphorus cycle starts in the earth’s crust. The phosphate salts are broken down from the rocks. These salts are washed away into the ground where they mix in the soil.
ADSORPTION BY PLANT -
The phosphate salts dissolved in water are absorbed by the plants. However, the amount of phosphorus present in the soil is very less. That is why the farmers apply phosphate fertilizers on agricultural land.
The aquatic plants absorb inorganic phosphorus from lower layers of water bodies. Since phosphate salts do not dissolve in water properly, they affect plant growth in aquatic ecosystem.
ABSORPTION BY ANIMAL -
The animals absorb phosphorus from the plants or by consuming plant-eating animals. The rate of the phosphorus cycle is faster in plants and animals when compared to rocks.
RETURN OF PHOSPHORUS THROUGH DECOMPOSITION-
When the plants and animals die they are decomposed by microorganisms During this process, the organic form of phosphorus is converted into the inorganic form, which is recycled to soil and water.
Soil and water will end up in sediments and rocks, which will again release phosphorus by weathering. Thus, the phosphorus cycle starts over.
HUMAN IMPACT ON PHOSPHORUS CYCLE
A number of human activities, use of fertilizers, artificial eutrophication, etc. has a great impact on the phosphorus cycle.
The phosphorus fertilizers increase the level of phosphorus in the soil. Overuse of these fertilizers reduces the fertility of the soil and is also harmful to the microorganisms present in the soil. When these are washed away into the nearby water bodies, they are hazardous to aquatic life.
During the shipping of food from farms to cities, the amount of phosphorus that is washed away in water causes eutrophication. This leads to the growth of algae. These form algal blooms or die, which is toxic to the aquatic ecosystem.
Hii this is Kaibalya Nayak from from Biology adda by Kaibalya shared Phosphorus cycle which is important for various exams . Good luck have a nice day . Jay Jagannath. Do share with your friends.
