Phosphorus is an essential element for all living organisms which is a structural component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a form of cellular energy as well as DNA and RNA, which are important life-sustaining molecules. The human body has phosphorus in form of bones and teeth that contribute 80% of phosphorus requirement. Phosphorus limits plant and animal growth due to its low availability in soil and water bodies. It is found in phosphate ion form (PO43-) in various compounds of soil, water, and rock sediments. Unlike or biogeochemical cycles, phosphorus circulation through atmospheric changes is very poor as major reservoir of phosphorus is in sedimentary rocks. The phosphorus of se rocks is gradually eroding, releasing phosphates to ecosystem or leaching into sea where it is deposited in deep sediments.
The ratio of phosphorus to or elements in organism is greater than available and primary sources of phosphorus. It is an ecologically more important and limiting element that regulates productivity. Thus phosphorus cycle is known to be an important cycle of ecosystem.