Communities of free-living nematodes and correspondence with soil quality

Abstract

The evaluation and interpretation of abundance and function of the community structure of soil nematodes in situ provide a measure of the disruptive factors of soil dynamics. A study was conducted on the diversity of nematofauna and their responses of these organisms to abiotic conditions of medium in some physical and chemical parameters of soil. The study was conducted in the locaties of Sampués, Corozal and San Juan Betulia, located in the subregion Sabana (Sucre, Colombia). The diversity of nematodes was used as a biomarker of holistic state of soil quality using the soil maturity index (I.M.). Using the methodology of Jenkins, a total of 4683 individuals were identified using taxonomic keys to 22 genera and one un-determined (c.f Dorylaiminae). The soil parameters were performed using the IGAC methodologies. The soil parameters more related to the abundance and diversity of these microorganisms contributors to nitrogen mineralization, flow of nutrients and soil energy were the percentages of sand, silt and humidity. The parameters presence in this living system in marked by the percentages since nematodes are extremely sensitive to stress caused by bad agricultural activities, livestock and the use of agrochemicals. The genera c.f Dorylaimnae and Criconemella’s presence is not limited by factors such as texture and humidity, of which other dependent on other genera of nematodes as (Pratylenchus, Tylenchus, Rotylenchulus). The nematode communities genera of nematodes such as “such as Pratylenchus, tylenchus, Rotylenchulus”are dependent. The nematode communities showed a higher relation with the percentage of organic matter.