phosphorus cycle

Phosphorus cycle

Phosphorus Cycle Reservoirs The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that involves the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike many other biogeochemical cycles, the atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based materials do not enter the gaseous phase readily, as the main source of gaseous phosphorus, phosphine, is only produced in isolated and specific conditions. Therefore, the phosphorus cycle is primarily examined studying the movement of orthophosphate ( PO3−4), the form of phosphorus that is most commonly seen in the environment, through terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.