Phosphorus dynamics in different soils

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is essential to all known life forms because it is a key element in many physiological and biochemical processes. A component of every cell in all living organisms, phosphorus is indispensable and cannot be replaced by any other element. The name comes from the Greek word ‘PHOSPHOROS’, which means bringer of light, because of Phosphorous glows in the dark Phosphorous is a non-metal, solid at room temperature It was discovered around 1669 by a German chemist named Henning Brandt during an experiment where he was attempting to change silver into gold It is the 11 th most abundant element and it is found in all fertile soil and most natural water Phosphorus occurs in complex DNA and RNA structures which hold and translate genetic information and so control all living processes in plants, animals and man.