Abstract
Nematodes are critical for soil processes, and changes in nematode community structure have the potential to have a significant impact on ecosystem functioning. As a result, fluctuations in nematode diversity and community structure can be used to ascertain the functional biodiversity of a soil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different vegetation and soil pH and N on nematode structure and diversity from ten different sites (Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar) of the Jammu division. The highest absolute frequency of plant parasitic nematodes (91-100%) was observed in subtropical forests in Ramban, temperate forests in Doda, while the highest absolute frequency of bacterivorous nematodes (84-87%) was observed in crop soil in Reasi and Jammu. Soil pH had a detrimental effect on nematodes; bacteriovores were abundant at low pH, and plant parasitic at higher pH. The total nitrogen content also increased in all nematode trophic groups except omnivores. Ecological indices such as the enrichment index (EI), channel index (CI) and maturity index (MI) values indicated that crop soil with organic management is more nematode-friendly and has a better soil health status than other soil ecosystems. Nematode community structure indices may be helpful as soil monitoring tools and for assessing ecosystem sustainability and biodiversity.
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