The adsorption-desorption characteristics of phosphate by five common substrates (savageness Zeolite, Haydite, Soil, Vermiculite and Gravel) used in soil treatment systems were illustrated in laboratory. The results indicate that phosphorus adsorption capacities of various substrates in the descending order are vermiculite and soil(1.38 mg/g and 1.24 mg/g), then haydite and zeolite(1.12 mg/g and 1.18 mg/g), and then gravel(0.90 mg/g). The five substrates all reach adsorption equilibrium after twelve hours’ shaking time, and the adsorption capacity increases as the original phosphorus concentration in the liquid increases. The results indicate that phosphorus desorption efficiencies of various substrates in the descending order are gravel, soil, zeolite, vermiculite and haydite. Considering the phosphorus adsorption capacities and desorption rates of five substrates in the research, vermiculite is one sound substrate in the soil treatment system for phosphorus removal.