Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphates are a critical part of life because holds DNA and RNA together.

The phosphorus cycle is different from other biogeochemical cycles because atmosphere is not important in the transfer or movement of phosphorus. Also, phosphorous compounds on Earth are normally solids of varying temperatures and pressures.

Phosphorous travels through the cycle from rock to omnivores by removing the phosphate from rocks when it rains. Then plants take the phosphate from the soil, and herbivores eat the plants. Omnivores then eat the herbivores. Once omnivores decompose, its waste returns to the soil.

Excessive concentrations of phosphorus are sometimes considered a pollutant because in the aquatic ecosystem, an excess amount of phosphorus in water causes the algae to grow too fast than the ecosystem can take.

Humans contribute to the excessive levels of phosphorous by their use of fertilizers and raising hogs. The waste of fertilizers and hogs in phosphorus are high. It can make excessive levels of phosphorus once the waste is in the soil and in the water by surface runoff.

Stored in soil and rock in the form of phosphate

The soil-based view of the phosphorus cycle is through the process of removing the phosphate from rocks when it rains to when the phosphorus later goes back into the soil through decomposing organism waste. Compared to the global-view of the phosphorus cycle which is the process of the phosphorus' movement from the land to the ocean, and back into land.