![minerals play newly discovered role in earths phosphorus cycle](https://utterbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/minerals-play-newly-discovered-role-in-earths-phosphorus-cycle-640x512.jpg)
Plants and microbes are known to secrete enzymes to transform organic phosphorus into bioavailable inorganic phosphorus. Now, researchers found that iron oxide in soil performs the same transformation. Discovery is important for food security, which requires phosphorus as a crop fertilizer.