Question

Phosphorus Cycle Steps in Order

1. Weathering
2. Fertilizer
3. Excretion and Decomposition
4. Dissolved Phosphates
5. Geologic Uplift

Answer 1

The phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus as the phosphate ion through the environment, including weathering, use of fertilizers, excretion, dissolution in water, and geologic processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phosphorus cycle is a biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Phosphorus typically exists in nature as the phosphate ion (PO4³-). The primary steps in the phosphorus cycle, in order, are as follows:

1. Weathering of rocks, whereby phosphate is released into the soil, water, and air.
2. Use of fertilizers, which can add phosphate to the soil.
3. Excretion and Decomposition of organic matter, which returns phosphate to the soil.
4. Movement of dissolved phosphates into aquatic food webs and eventually into the ocean.
5. Geologic uplift, where sediment is lifted, over geologic time, exposing new phosphate-rich rock.

The cycle is crucial for life as phosphorus is a key component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids, among other biological molecules. Human influence, especially through the use of fertilizers, has significant impacts on the natural phosphorus cycle.