8.2.B.7

The phosphorus cycle involves weathering rocks releasing phosphate ( ) PO 3− 4 into soil and groundwater. Producers take in phosphate, which is incorporated into biological molecules; consumers eat producers, transferring phosphate to animals. Phosphorus returns to the soil via decomposition of biomass, or excretion. Phosphate can also be incorporated back into the environment via decomposition of decaying organic matter.