how does phosphorus "leach out" of an ecosystem?
Answers
Phosphate enters aquatic ecosystems as a result of erosion, leaching, run-off.
Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms.
Here are the key steps of the phosphorus cycle
Over time, rain and cause rocks to release phosphate and other minerals. This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water.Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil. The plants may then be consumed by animals. Once in the plant or animal, the phosphate is incorporated into organic molecules such as DNA. When the plant or animal dies, it decays, and the organic phosphate is returned to the soil. 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. This process is known as mineralisation.
Phosphorus in soil can end up in waterways and eventually oceans. Once there, it can be incorporated into sediments over time.
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