Phosphorus Inputs to Terrestrial Ecosystems

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
1 This review concentrates on two sources of phosphorus input to terrestrial ecosystems: release by weathering of rock and inputs from the atmosphere. 2 The few direct estimates of P release by weathering give rates from 0.05-1.0 kg P ha(-1) year(-1); however, less direct evidence suggests that rates up to 5 kg ha(-1) year(-1) may occur. 3 Total P input from the atmosphere collected by funnels can range from 0.07-1.7 kg ha(-1) year(-1). Input to some vegetation may be substantially increased by the canopy trapping suspended fine particles. 4 Major sources of atmospheric P include fine soil particles, pollen, and burning of plant material, coal and oil. Their amount and relative importance varies greatly from place to place. 5 The wide variation in P inputs between sites results in inputs being greater than losses at some sites but less than losses at others. This is likely to have major longterm ecological importance.