The Phosphorus Cycle

Question 1

What is: Weathering, Assimilation, Decomposition, mineralisation?

Answer 1

Weathering: Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ion (PO43-) and other minerals
Assimilation: Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil
Decomposition: Decomposition of dead plants and animals, and the waste of living organisms, return organic phosphate to the soil
Mineralisation: Within the soil, organic forms of phosphate can be made available to plants by bacteria that break down organic matter to inorganic forms of phosphorus