A Simulation Model of the Decomposition Activity of Multiple Fungi

Abstract

Fungi play an essential role in carbon cycle by decomposing the litter and woody fibers. This study aims to establish a model for describing the decomposition by multiple fungal activities in different environment. We establish Colony Distribution-Decomposition Model to simulate the interaction between various fungi and describe the relationship between fungal activity and decomposition, which is divided into three sub-models: single colony growth and extension model, decomposition model and competition model. We applied this model to the study of the interaction of different species, the sensitivity of fungi to environmental changes in short-term and long-term, the adapatability to different climate types for various species and the role biodiversity plays in the breakdown of the litter. The developed model has the advantages of comprehensiveness, stability, rationality, and wide application, which is a feasible and reasonable model to assist the analysis on the interaction between multiple fungi and describe the relationship between fungal activity and decomposition.