Availability of Phosphorous to Plants
A good amount of phosphorous present in the soil is not available for use by the plants. The availability of useful phosphorous to the plants depends upon various factors which are:
- Bacteria: The bacteria present in the soil are directly responsible to make the phosphorous available to plants. If the soil contains such bacteria then it will be rich in potassium that can be used by the plants.
- Adsorption of Phosphorous: Generally, the phosphorous present in the soil is adsorbed by the soil particles and is not available to plants for use. The release of this phosphorous takes place through the process of desorption.
- pH of the soil: Phosphorous can be used by plants if it is present in free form. If the pH of soil falls below 4 or becomes more than 8 then the free phosphorous starts to combine with other minerals to form compounds that make the phosphorous unavailable for use by plants.
In order to make the phosphorous available to plants, fertilizers are the most commonly used product. Fertilizers that are rich in phosphates are used to replenish the phosphorous content of the soil. It must be ensured that the pH of the soil is within the permitted limits to prevent phosphorous loss. Lime is generally used to reduce the acidity of the soil.
The phosphate from the soil and fields is carried by the rainwater to rivers and oceans which leads to excessive plant growth in these water bodies. This excessive plant growth leads to the eutrophication of water bodies.
Phosphorus Cycle
The phosphorus cycle is a natural phenomenon by which phosphorus cycles through the three components of the biosphere which are the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. The phosphorus cycle is a very gradual process. The phosphorus cycle steps include weathering, release of phosphates into soil and water, plant uptake, consumption by animals, and return to the soil through decomposition and waste.
Phosphorous is found in small quantities in soil and enhances the growth of the plant. In this article, we will discuss the phosphorus cycle process and steps with the help of a diagram.
Table of Content
- What is Phosphorous Cycle?
- Phosphorus Cycle Diagram
- Steps of Phosphorous Cycle
- Importance of Phosphorus Cycle
- Availability of Phosphorous to Plants
- Human Effects on Phosphorus Cycle