Individual-Based Model of Microbial Life on Hydrated Rough Soil Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Microbial life in soil is perceived as one of the most interesting ecological systems, with microbial communities exhibiting remarkable adaptability to vast dynamic environmental conditions. At the same time, it is a notoriously challenging system to understand due to its complexity including physical, chemical, and biological factors in synchrony. This study presents a spatially-resolved model of microbial dynamics on idealised rough soil surfaces represented as patches with different (roughness) properties that preserve the salient hydration physics of real surfaces. Cell level microbial interactions are considered within an individual-based formulation including dispersion and various forms of trophic dependencies (competition, mutualism). The model provides new insights into mechanisms

SUBMITTER: Kim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4726620 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature