Organic phosphorus in the environment : [papers presented at the Organic Phosphorus Workshop, held July 2003, Ascona, Switzerland

Phosphorus is essential for life, yet is often the element most limiting for biological productivity. Although most organisms take up phosphorus in an inorganic form, organic forms frequently dominate in soils and aquatic systems. Up to this point, the role of organic phosphorus and mechanisms for its dynamics have been poorly understood. However, recent advances in research have shed new light on the subject and this book brings together these advances. It covers the transformation and characterization of organic phosphorus in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. It will attract a broad range of scientists from several disciplines. Organic phosphorus is involved in almost every biological process. Organic forms of phosphorus often dominate in soils and aquatic systems and many organisms possess complex mechanisms enabling them to access phosphorus from organic compounds. However organic phosphorus remains the most poorly understood aspect of the global phosphorus cycle. This book brings together the latest research and opinion on the biogeochemistry of organic phosphorus from a wide range of disciplines and focuses specifically on the characterisation and transformations of organic phosphorus in terrestrial and aquatic systems. It examines analytical procedures for the chemical characterization of organic phosphorus in environmental samples, processes regulating organic phosphorus in the environment, and integration of the process at the ecosystem level. Ecological, chemical, microbiological and analytical aspects are explored. Written by a team of leading experts, the book will provide an invaluable reference for all those interested in organic phosphorus. "This book brings together the latest research and opinion on the biogeochemistry of organic phosphorus from the world's leading experts. Covering the measurement, behaviour and biological availability of organic phosphorus in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it will interest a multidisciplinary readership, including plant and microbial ecologists, soil scientists, agronomists, limnologists and geochemists."--Jacket Organic phosphorus is involved in almost every biological process and is essential for life. However, the role of organic phosphorus and mechanisms for its dynamics has been poorly understood