Nematodes as Biological Indicators of Soil Quality in the Agroecosystems

Abstract

Soil nematodes have advantages as bio-indicators, because they have beneficial role in the food web. Nematodes associated with bacteria are probably the most studied biological indicators of soil fertility. Saprophytic nematodes act as bio-indicators of soil health because they have different beneficial ways to increase in soil functions such as in management of ecosystem; enhancement of nitrogen in soil by ingestion of nitrogen and secrete extra nitrogen as NH4, that is easily absorbable; putrefaction and by dispersion of bacteria and fungi to recently available organic residues. Therefore, nematode are beneficial in increasing soil health or plant growth by providing the nutrient through associated bacteria. So it can be evaluated that the nematodes use as biological indicators of soil fertility because of remarkable diversity and nematode contribution in many functions of the soil fertility.