Tag: Biogeochemical cycle

According to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the most common elements on Earth, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (CHNOPS), are also the most important nutrients for plants. To truly grasp where do nutrients originate, we must look beyond our dinner plates and delve into the fundamental processes of the planet.

Sedimentary rocks hold approximately 95% of Earth's total phosphorus, making them the planet's largest reservoir. This geological abundance is the ultimate origin for understanding which of the following is the main source of phosphorus in different ecosystems and applications.

Over 95% of a living organism's mass is made up of just six elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. The cyclic nutrient cycle, also known as a biogeochemical cycle, explains the essential, repeated pathway these elements take as they move between living organisms and the environment.

Approximately 95% of Earth's phosphorus is locked away within sedimentary rocks and deep ocean sediments. So, where is the majority of phosphorus stored? The answer is not in the atmosphere like carbon or nitrogen, but rather deep within the Earth's crust and oceans.

The sulfur cycle is a fundamental biogeochemical process in which the element moves between rocks, waterways, and living systems. Sulfur, a versatile non-metal, can be found naturally in various forms across the Earth, including mineral deposits, volcanic emissions, geothermal fluids, and a wide array of foods. This essential element plays a crucial role in both geological processes and biological functions.

Sulfur is the fifth most common element on Earth by mass and the third most abundant mineral in the human body, playing a crucial part in both biological and industrial processes. From the structure of proteins that form hair and skin to the production of crucial chemicals and fertilizers, this versatile element is an essential cornerstone of modern life and natural systems.