Abstract
The study was undertaken to understand the dynamics of soil nematode communities association along elevation gradient and associated variables in high-altitude regions of Western Himalaya. The diversity and distribution pattern of soil nematodes were investigated at four elevation ranges (Elv1, Elv2, Elv3, and Elv4 each of 500 m class) along altitudinal gradient (3000–5000 m). The nematode community comprised 58 genera of which 37 genera showed sensitivity towards altitudinal variation and the community structure also varied among elevation classes. It was found that elevation significantly affect the nematodes trophic group, diversity composition, and the nematode indices. Nematode generic richness and evenness index indicated a relatively low biodiversity of soil nematodes is supported at higher altitudes. Moreover, maturity indices reflected lower sustenance of k-strategic nematodes at higher elevations. Structure index depicted fewer connections in the soil food web at higher elevations. Nematode faunal profile showed low nutrient and low disturbance in the region. Carbon footprint of the whole nematode assemblage declined along the elevation. Overall substantial differences in the nematode composition, abundance, trophic structure, and contribution to belowground carbon cycling were observed with change in elevation. These findings could be utilized as useful tool in the long-term monitoring and to understand the region's soil health.
Highlights
Soil nematodes represent an essential component of the soil faunal community even in the cold ecosystem and can withstand extreme climatic c onditions[1,2,3]
What is the response of soil nematodes to the increasing elevation? How does the different nematode trophic groups (Bacterivores, Fungivores, Plant parasites, Predators, Omnivores) respond to elevation? Does nematode diversity, abundance and derived functional indices (MI, Plant Parasite Index (PPI), Channel Index (CI), Structure index (SI) and Enrichment index (EI)) which are proxies of their function change with increasing elevation?
Similar results of carbon assimilation are reported from temperate vegetation cover along elevation gradient of Pir-Panjal range in Western H imalayas[14]
Summary
Soil nematodes represent an essential component of the soil faunal community even in the cold ecosystem and can withstand extreme climatic c onditions[1,2,3]. They play crucial role in important soil ecological processes and influences multiple ecosystem functions[4,5,6], and are considered potential bio monitoring instrument for ecosystem health[7,8]. Previous studies have highlighted the elevation pattern of nematode abundance and diversity across temperate forest ecosystems[14,15], cold desert ecosystems[13,16], alpine grasslands17and sub-arctic vegetations[18]. What is the response of soil nematodes to the increasing elevation? How does the different nematode trophic groups (Bacterivores, Fungivores, Plant parasites, Predators, Omnivores) respond to elevation? Does nematode diversity, abundance and derived functional indices (MI, PPI, CI, SI and EI) which are proxies of their function change with increasing elevation?
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