News tagged with phosphorus
Viruses con bacteria into working for them
MIT researchers have discovered that certain photosynthetic ocean bacteria should beware of viruses bearing gifts: These viruses are carrying genetic material taken from their previous bacterial hosts that ...
Jan 26, 2012 |
5 / 5 (3) |
0
|
Researchers assess effects of a world awash in nitrogen
Humans are having an effect on Earth's ecosystems but it's not just the depletion of resources and the warming of the planet we are causing. Now you can add an over-abundance of nitrogen as another "footprint" humans are ...
Dec 15, 2011 |
5 / 5 (3) |
6
|
Strip-till improves nutrient uptake and yield
The practice of deep banding fertilizer is growing in popularity as more growers turn to strip-till. However, this method may be costing growers more than it is worth.
Dec 12, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
Benefits abound with recently patented system that reduces phosphorus in wastewater
A team of bioprocessing engineers with Kansas State University's Advanced Manufacturing Institute has been issued a patent for a system that removes phosphorus from wastewater and addresses environmental regulations.
Dec 05, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
Closing the phosphorus-efficiency gap
(PhysOrg.com) -- Ways to reduce the costs of phosphorus fertiliser use on farms critical for sustaining high agricultural production in many Australian farming systems have been identified in ...
Nov 15, 2011 |
5 / 5 (2) |
0
Closing the phosphorous-efficiency gap
Ways to reduce the costs of phosphorus fertiliser use on farms critical for sustaining high agricultural production in many Australian farming systems have been identified in a new suite of journal ...
Oct 24, 2011 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Endangered species? Should cheap phosphorus be first on an elemental 'Red List?'
Should the periodic table bear a warning label in the 21st century or be revised with a lesson about elemental supply and demand? If so, that lesson could start with one element considered a staple of life but growing ...
Space & Earth / Earth Sciences
Oct 14, 2011 |
4.3 / 5 (9) |
12
|
Nitrate levels rising in northwestern Pacific ocean: study
Changes in the ratio of nitrate to phosphorus in the oceans off the coasts of Korea and Japan caused by atmospheric and riverine pollutants may influence the makeup of marine plants and influence marine ecology, according ...
Sep 22, 2011 |
4.5 / 5 (4) |
1
|
Breeding soybeans for improved feed
Modifying soybean seed to increase phosphorus content can improve animal nutrition and reduce feed costs and nutrient pollution. However, further research is needed to commercialize this valuable technology. Knowledge of ...
Sep 16, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
Urban impacts on phosphorus in streams
Although phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all life forms, essential amounts of the chemical element can cause water quality problems in rivers, lakes, and coastal zones. High concentrations of phosphorus in aquatic ...
Aug 11, 2011 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Grazing management effects on stream pollutants
Surface water quality is important for the proper function of aquatic ecosystems, as well as human needs and recreation. Pasturelands have been found to be major sources of sediment, phosphorus and pathogens in Midwest surface ...
Jul 21, 2011 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Insight into plant behavior could aid quest for efficient biofuels
Tiny seawater algae could hold the key to crops as a source of fuel and plants that can adapt to changing climates.
Jun 28, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
Analyzing agroforestry management
The evaluation of both nutrient and non-nutrient resource interactions provides information needed to sustainably manage agroforestry systems. Improved diagnosis of appropriate nutrient usage will help increase yields and ...
Jun 28, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
Researchers find a keystone nutrient recycler in streams
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers from the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology have found that certain neotropical stream ecosystems rely almost entirely on a single fish species known as the banded tetra ...
Jun 28, 2011 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
With feedlot manure, it pays to be precise
The same precision farming techniques that work with crops can work with manure management on cattle feedlots, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.
Jun 02, 2011 |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Phosphorus
Phosphorus (pronounced /ˈfɒsfərəs/) is the chemical element that has the symbol P and atomic number 15. A multivalent nonmetal of the nitrogen group, phosphorus is commonly found in inorganic phosphate rocks. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms - white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Although the term "phosphorescence", meaning glow after illumination, derives from phosphorus, glow of phosphorus originates from oxidation of the white (but not red) phosphorus and should be called chemiluminescence.
Due to its high reactivity, phosphorus is never found as a free element in nature on Earth. The first form of phosphorus to be discovered (white phosphorus, discovered in 1669) emits a faint glow upon exposure to oxygen — hence its name given from Greek mythology, Φωσφόρος meaning "light-bearer" (Latin Lucifer), referring to the "Morning Star", the planet Venus.
Phosphorus is a component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and also the phospholipids which form all cell membranes. It is thus an essential element for all living cells. The most important commercial use of phosphorus-based chemicals is the production of fertilizers.
Phosphorus compounds are also widely used in explosives, nerve agents, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste and detergents.
For more information about Phosphorus, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.