%A Huiling Hu, Zhiyuan Yao, Shibin Gao, Bo Zhu %T Nematode response to long-term fertilization in purple soil %0 Journal Article %D 2022 %J Biodiv Sci %R 10.17520/biods.2022189 %P 22189- %V 30 %N 12 %U {https://www.biodiversity-science.net/CN/abstract/article_82815.shtml} %8 2022-12-20 %X

Aims: Soil nematodes are abundant in agroecosystems and are sensitive to edaphic environmental changes, they can be used to assess soil health under different field management conditions. This study aims to investigate the effects of long-term fertilization and soil aggregation patterns on nematode community distribution and functional diversity in purple soil.
Methods: Five fertilization treatments were established: no fertilizer (control, CK), chemical fertilizer alone (NPK), biochar + chemical fertilizer (BCNPK), commercial pig manure + chemical fertilizer (OMNPK) and straw + chemical fertilizer (RSDNPK). Soil particle sizes were categorized as: bulk soil, large macroaggregates (> 2 mm) and small macroaggregates (0.25-2 mm).
Results: Fertilization increased the number of soil nematodes compared to the CK with a minimum increase of 66% under the NPK treatment group. Soil treated with a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers exhibited an increase in nematode abundance of 206%. The relative abundance of nematode groups was consistent across treatments: bacterivores > omnivores/predators > plant parasites > fungivores. However, omnivores/predators and bacterivores populations in small macroaggregates were smaller and larger, respectively, than populations associated with other soil particle categories. Community structure and enrichment index values increased in the RSDNPK group, and the nematodes’ functional footprint varied across treatments.
Conclusions: The application of a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers (especially RSDNPK) can increase soil nutrient supply capacity and help establish stable and healthy soil ecosystems, supporting the development of sustainable local agriculture.