Seasonal Variation of Nematode Assemblages and Diversity on Selected Soil Groups in Kenya: Vertisols, Cambisols and Arenosols
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Date
2020
Authors
Thuo, A.K.
Karuku, G.N.
Kimenju, J.W.
Kariuki, G.M.
Wendot, P. K.
Melakeberhan, H.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems
Abstract
Background. Soil health assessment has been based on narrow disciplinary approaches that overlook the multiple
and interacting biological processes that are the basis of sustainable crop productivity. Objective. Determine the
influence of seasonal variations in nematode assemblages in different soil groups, sites and disturbance levels as an
indicator of soil health. Methodology. Sampling was done in areas characterized by small scale subsistence
agriculture in Kenyan Northern sites and Southern sites over three distinct seasons. The sampling points included
disturbed (tilled) and the adjoining undisturbed (untilled) soils within three soil groups, namely Vertisols, Cambisols
and Arenosols. Nematodes were extracted using the centrifugal-floatation technique, enumerated and assigned to
their respective trophic groups. Results. Total nematode abundance in the three seasons varied significantly (p ≤
0.05) with a mean of 68, 93 and 52 nematodes in 200 cm3 of soil in seasons I, II and III, respectively. Nematodes
abundance in the undisturbed soils was significantly higher (98) compared to the disturbed soils (62) nematodes per
200 cm3
). Mean abundance of nematodes was highest in Cambisols. In addition, nematode abundances, in all trophic
levels across the three seasons, were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in the northern compared to the southern sites.
Bacterivores (28%) had the highest percentage frequency of detection followed by herbivores (27%) and fungivores
(21%) while omnivores (11%) had the least. Implications. Nematode communities do respond variably to different
soil groups and seasonal changes. Conclusion. Nematodes can therefore be utilized as viable bio-indicators of soil
health and quality.
Description
A research article published in Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems
Keywords
Soil health, Soil groups, Disturbance level, Nematode assemblages
Citation
Thuo, A., Karuku, G., Kimenju, J., Kariuki, G., Wendot, P., & Melakeberhan, H. (2020). SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF NEMATODE ASSEMBLAGES AND DIVERSITY ON SELECTED SOIL GROUPS IN KENYA: VERTISOLS, CAMBISOLS AND ARENOSOLS. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 23(2). Retrieved from https://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/ojs/index.php/TSA/article/view/3074/1448