Correlation between nematode abundance and decomposition rate of Spartina anglica leaves

Abstract

Mesh containers were filled with green or aged Spartina leaves, and placed in the Stroodorpepolder salt marsh, in the Oosterschelde, a tidal inlet. After 3mo the containers were collected and nematodes were counted and identified. The experiment was repeated in four subsequent seasons. Sixty nematode species were found in the containers; most species were found in all treatments. Total numbers of nematodes did not differ among treatments, but there were differences of nematode community structure among treatments. Bacterivorous nematodes, particularly monhysterid species, prevailed in containers with highest decomposition rates. A positive correlation was found between decomposition rate and the numbers of Diplolaimella dievengatensis in spring, summer and autumn. Numbers of Diplolaimelloides bruciei, Monhystera parva, Desmolaimus zeelandicus and Theristus acer showed positive correlations with decomposition rates in one or two of these seasons. In winter no significant correlations were found. Thus, of the 60 nematode species present in the litter the abundances of only five species seemed to be affected by decomposition rate of the litter. These nematode species probally react primarily to the increased microbial activity coinciding with higher decomposition rates. These species may also further enhance microbial decomposition activity. -from Authors