Influence of bacterivorous nematodes on the decomposition of cordgrass

摘要: The influence of bacterivorous nematodes (Diplolaimelloides meyli, Diplolaimelloides oschei, Diplolaimella dievengatensis, Panagrolaimus paetzoldi) on the decomposition a macrophyte (Spartina anglica) in an aquatic environment was investigated by using laboratory microcosm experiments. Several earlier studies have shown enhancement process presence nematodes, but nematode species-specific effects were never tested. In this study four species applied separately to microcosms investigate such speciesspecific influences. No stimulation nor microbial community observed both highest absence nematodes. However, clear differences found between treatments. P. paetzoldi reached much higher numbers than other species, causing decrease activity, probably due (over)grazing. Remarkably low activity did not result slow-down compared treatments, raising question whether might be able directly assimilate detrital compounds. Other lower densities, nevertheless observed. experiment does support view that enhance rate. experimental results show communities use functional groups is inadequate for biodiversity studies. used belong same group, are clearly functionally redundant since they all different