Phosphorus Cycle
Phosphorus is an important element in animals and plants. It is part of the molecules that store energy such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), DTP (adenosine diphosphate) and fats. It is also an important component of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid. In an animal body, about 80% of its phosphorus is found in its bones and teeth.
Unlike carbon and nitrogen, phosphorus is mainly found in rocks. Weathering and erosion of rocks gradually release phosphorus as phosphates which are water soluble into the soil and water. Plants absorb the phosphates and incorporate them into many organic compounds that are used in the cells. Animals get their phosphorus by eating the plants and drinking the water.
When the plants and animals die, they decompose and the phosphates are returned to the soil and water. Some might be absorbed by plants. Some will end up in sediments or rock formations, repeating the cycle.