Phosphorus is one of the key elements for life on Earth and a vital nutrient for microbes, plants, animals and humans. Therefore, it interacts strongly with carbon and oxygen and plays a major role in the regulation of Earth’s climate. Still, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the global cycle of phosphorus through the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere, on various temporal and spatial scales. Closing these gaps will require highly integrated research strategies, which this session aims to stimulate by bringing together scientists from various disciplines. We invite contributions on phosphorus cycling in the marine and terrestrial environment, with potential topics including: Novel analytical approaches (NMR, XANES, stable and radio-isotopes, Raman spectroscopy, NanoSIMS); P bioavailability and coupling to other element cycles (Fe, C, O, N, Si…); the role of microbial activity in P cycling; modelling of the global P cycle; dust as a P source to the oceans; P limitation in marine or terrestrial environments; weathering and transport of P on land; eutrophication; P sequestration in the ocean; and the impact of P biogeochemistry on Earth’s climate.

Keynote Speaker will be Professor Gabriel Filippelli (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA).