INDISIM-SOM, an individual-based simulator on a website for experimenting and investigating diverse dynamics of Carbon and Nitrogen in mineral soils

Abstract

INDISIM-SOM models the dynamics and evolution of C and N related to organic matter in soils by using individual-based simulations. It is an Individual-based Model that controls a group of microbial cells at each time step, using a set of time-dependent variables for each microorganism. The space is divided into square cells. In each spatial cell, the amounts of different types of organic compounds are controlled. These are identified as polymerized organic C and N, labile organic C and N, and mineral compounds such us NNH4, NNO3, CO2 and O2. The model takes into account the activity of two types of microorganisms: decomposers (heterotrophic) and nitrifiers. Metabolic pathways and sources of C and N that they can use are identified. Some state variables and parameters related to soil organic matter and microbial activity are studied. This study presents a website at which the simulator INDISIM-SOM is accessible, and explains how to carry out some virtual experiments, in order to further advance the skills associated with this individual simulation model.