Nematodes
In: Goss, M.J.; Oliver, M. (Ed.) (2023). Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment. Second Edition. Elsevier Science: [s.l.]. ISBN 978-0-128-22974-3; e-ISBN 978-0-323-95133-3. 5 Volumes pp., more
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| Author keywords |
Cryptobiosis; Ecology; Entomopathogens; Environmental monitoring; Indicators; Mesofauna; Monitoring; Physiology; Plant-parasites; Soil management; Soil pore; Survival mechanisms; Water films |
| Abstract |
A hallmark of the Phylum Nematoda is their exceptional abundance and ubiquitous presence in soil as microscopic fauna. Nematodes require free water for normal functioning, but many are capable of entering a cryptobiotic state when conditions turn unfavorable. Communities span several trophic positions within the soil food web, collectively contributing directly to the biogeochemistry of soils by regulating decomposition and nutrient cycling. Nematode communities serve as biological indicators of soil health because they respond predictably to land-management practices. Valuing nematode communities as biological indicators of soil condition represents a tremendous shift in emphasis in the science of nematology that historically focused on plant-parasitic nematodes. |
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