Within-trophic group interactions of bacterivorous nematode species and their effects on the bacterial community and nitrogen mineralization.

Postma-Blaauw, M. B. and de Vries, Franciska T. and de Goede, R. G. M. and Bloem, Jaap and Faber, J. H. and Brussaard, Lijbert (2005) Within-trophic group interactions of bacterivorous nematode species and their effects on the bacterial community and nitrogen mineralization. Oecologia, 142 (3). pp. 428-439. ISSN 0029-8549

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Abstract

Knowledge of the interactions between organisms within trophic groups is important for an understanding of the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning. We hypothesised that interactions between bacterivorous nematodes of different life history strategies would affect nematode population development, bacterial community composition and activity, resulting in increased N mineralization. A microcosm experiment was conducted using three nematode species (Bursilla monhystera, Acrobeloides nanus and Plectus parvus). All the nematode species interacted with each other, but the nature and effects of these interactions depended on the specific species combination. The interaction between B. monhystera and A. nanus was asymmetrically competitive (0,–), whereas that between B. monhystera and P. parvus, and also A. nanus and P. parvus was contramensal (+, –). The interaction that affected microcosm properties the most was the interaction between B. monhystera and P. parvus. This interaction affected the bacterial community composition, increased the bacterial biomass and increased soil N mineralization. B. monhystera and P. parvus have the most different life history strategies, whereas A. nanus has a life history strategy intermediate to those of B. monhystera and P. parvus. We suggest that the difference in life history strategies between species of the same trophic group is of importance for their communal effect on soil ecosystem processes. Our results support the idiosyncrasy hypothesis on the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Oecologia
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1105
Subjects:
?? soil - biodiversity - competition - nutrient dynamics - life history strategiesecology, evolution, behavior and systematicsge environmental sciences ??
ID Code:
27281
Deposited On:
15 Oct 2009 08:03
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 10:33