Download Phosphorous Cycle Handout

The Phosphorous Cycle
Source: http://vincejtremante.tripod.com/cycles/phosphours.htm
- The combination of three factors makes phosphorus a nutrient of
concern in most ecosystems:
 Most soils have only small amounts from the weathering of
unevenly distributed rocks.
 Phosphorus is more insoluble than other nutrients and less
mobile, hence less phosphorus travels in the soil solution; roots
generally must grow into a zone of phosphorus availability.
 Phosphorus that drains from the land to the ocean is used by
organisms in the surface waters, but a considerable amount is
lost to the sediments in the shells and bones of marine
organisms and by precipitation and settling of phosphates.
ES – Biogeochemical Cycles (Handout)
SCI44E
pg. 1