Understanding:
• The rate of turnover in the phosphorus cycle is much lower than the nitrogen cycle
The phosphorus cycle shows how different forms of phosphorus are transitioned within the environment
- Certain rocks contain high levels of phosphate, which can be released into the soil and water via chemical weathering
- Organisms require these phosphates to synthesise nucleic acids, membranes (phospholipids) and ATP
- Phosphates are returned to the soil upon the decomposition of plant and animal remains
The phosphorus cycle does not include a gaseous component (i.e. it does not involve the atmosphere)
- This means the rate of turnover in the phosphorus cycle is much lower than other cycles (it is released slowly by weathering)
- This also means the rate of replenishment is extremely slow (phosphates removed from the soil are not quickly replaced)
Phosphorus Cycle
