International Journal Of Horticulture, Agriculture And Food Science(IJHAF)

Microfungi are essential decomposers of agricultural waste, facilitating nutrient recycling and soil fertility improvement. Various environmental factors, including temperature, moisture, pH, and oxygen availability, significantly influence the rate and efficiency of fungal colonization and decomposition. This study examines the impact of these environmental variables on microfungal succession in decomposing Brassica campestris L. leaf litter over 180 days. Using a litterbag experiment, fungal diversity was assessed under different temperature ranges (15°C, 25°C, and 35°C), moisture levels (30%, 60%, and 90%), pH conditions (acidic, neutral, and alkaline), and oxygen availability (aerobic vs. anaerobic). The results indicate that optimal decomposition occurred at 25°C, 60% moisture, and neutral pH, with accelerated fungal activity under aerobic conditions. Early colonizers such as Aspergillus and Penicillium thrived in warm, moist conditions, whereas ligninolytic fungi like Alternaria and Curvularia dominated in later stages under aerobic conditions. The study highlights the importance of environmental factors in determining fungal succession and decomposition efficiency. These findings can guide sustainable waste management practices for improved soil health.