Figure 2: Updated phosphorus cycle.
From: Human-induced nitrogen–phosphorus imbalances alter natural and managed ecosystems across the globe
Updated data on the amount of phosphorus (Tg P) in the different Earth compartments and on the annual natural and human-driven annual fluxes (Tg P per year) among these different compartments. References used to update the data are also depicted (References in Supplementary Table S21). Potential reserves (now not profitable under current prices, but exploitable in the future with better technology and higher market prices for phosphorus). ‘Land use’ includes an estimation of all human activities (changes in land use, crop management and deforestation) that increase phosphorus mobilization from humus to stream water (initial mobilization less the part that is accumulated again on land) where thereafter this phosphorus mobilized can be loaded in continental waters or taken up by plants70.
