Biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus

Phosphorus (P) is one of the major nutrients necessary for plant growth. It is an essential chemical element for living beings as it is in particular present in nucleic acids (DNA RNA) carrying genetic information molecules responsible for biochemical energy transfer (AMP ADP ATP) and phospholipids that constitute cell membranes. However it is present in small quantities in soils with a content generally below 1‰. Plants must then concentrate P in their tissues Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient in the mineral nutrition of plants along with nitrogen and potassium. Inorganic forms are associated with amorphous or crystalline compounds of aluminium and iron in acidic soils and with calcium compounds in alkaline soils. Organic forms of P are associated with soil organic matter.