Q. In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter the cycle?

Answer: c) Phosphorus Cycle

The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms.
Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions and other minerals.
This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water.
Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and plants.
It plays a critical role in cell development and is a key component of molecules that store energy, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), DNA and lipids.
The global phosphorus cycle includes four major processes:
- Tectonic uplift and exposure of phosphorus-bearing rocks such as apatite to surface weathering.
- Physical erosion, and chemical and biological weathering of phosphorus-bearing rocks to provide dissolved and particulate phosphorus to soils, lakes and rivers.
- Riverine and subsurface transportation of phosphorus to various lakes and run-off to the ocean.
- Sedimentation of particulate phosphorus (e.g., phosphorus associated with organic matter and oxide/carbonate minerals) and eventually burial in marine sediments.