Biogeo chemical cycle...(Phosphorous cycle).pptx

Phosphorus is an important element for all living organisms.
Phosphorus forms a significant part of the structural framework of DNA and RNA.
Phosphorus is also an important component of ATP and Lipids (fats and oils).
Humans contain 80% of phosphorus in teeth and bones.

1. PHOSPHOROUS CYCLE B. LOKESHWARI II M. Sc MICROBIOLOGY SACRED HEART COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) TIRUPATTUR.

2. INTRODUCTION Important element for all living organisms. Significant part of the structural framework of DNA and RNA. Important component of ATP and Lipids (fats and oils). Humans contain 80% of phosphorus in teeth and bones. Essential nutrient for animals and plants. Insufficient phosphorus in the soil can result in a decreased crop yield. Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms. Slow process when compare to other Biogeochemical cycles

3. STEPS INVOLVED – 4 STEPS

4. 1. WEATHERING Most commonly found in rocks. Phosphorus cycle starts in the Earth’s crust. Weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller and smaller pieces. Causes Phosphate salts to break from the rocks. Weather events, such as rain and other sources of erosion, result in Phosphorus (Phosphate salts) being washed into the soil .

5. 2. ABSORPTION BY PLANTS Phosphate salts dissolved in water are absorbed by the plants. Amount of phosphorus present in the soil is very less. Farmers also apply phosphate fertilizers on agricultural land. Aquatic plants absorb Inorganic phosphorus from lower layers of water bodies. Phosphate salts do not dissolve in water, they affect plant growth in aquatic ecosystems .

6. 3. ABSORPTION BY ANIMALS Animals absorb Phosphorus from the plants or by consuming plant-eating animals. Rate of the Phosphorus cycle is faster in Plants and Animals when compared to Rocks .

7. 4 . RETURN OF PHOSPHOROUS BACK TO ECOSYSTEM THROUGH DECOMPOSITION Plants and animals die and are decomposed by microorganisms. During this process, the Organic form of Phosphorus is converted into the Inorganic form, and recycled to Soil and Water. Soil and water will end up in sediments and rocks, and again release Phosphorus by weathering. Phosphorus cycle starts over.

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