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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #81837
Title: MODELLING PROCESS CONTROLS FOR TEACHING SOIL MICROBIOLOGY

Author
item JOHNSON, TERESA - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
item SEBESTA, GEORGIA - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
item SIMS, GERALD
item RHINE, ELIZABETH - UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Three Stella models based on process control in soil microbiology were developed to be used as college level, learning tools. Stella is a graphical user interface that allows individuals with minimal computer experience to use and manipulate models and has been used extensively for teaching. Our models were based on data collected through graduate research and classroom projects. The processes modeled include bioavailability and microbial activity controlled biodegradation, inhibitor controlled nitrification, and pH controlled competition between two microbial species. The biodegradation model (M1) allows manipulation of microbial activity, fraction of carbon substrate sorbed to soil, and initial number of bacteria. M1 predicts movement of a 14C labeled substrate through solution phase, sorbed phase, and mineralized CO2. The nitrification model (M2) allows manipulation of inhibitor (pesticide) type, and predicts general nitrification kinetics. The competition model (M3) allows manipulation of the solution pH, and predicts relative growth of both bacterial species. Though developed to describe specific situations, these models can easily be altered to demonstrate many other processes taught in soil microbiology.