The distribution and abundance of soil nematodes in East African savannas

摘要: Nematodes were sampled from sites under and between tree canopies in Tsavo National Park, Kenya. We tested the hypothesis that more nematodes would be present generally moister soil, canopy, with a larger biomass of green grass prevailing for many months year. found microbivorous comprised bulk populations, approximately 90% total. Bacterivores numerous (approximately 3×105 on average) versus fungivores 5×104 per m2, to 10 cm depth. All four trophic groups (plant parasites omnivore/predators addition microbivore mentioned above) significantly higher acacia than baobab drier site, but not different two species wetter site. Only bacterivores respect distance tree, numbers associated microbial biomasses canopies. These reflected 2.5 times potentially mineralizable N at suggest belowground detrital food webs savannas may similar those temperate grasslands. Further proof this idea awaits extensive research.