Nematodes and their trophic interactions in the soil microbiome

Sustainable agriculture is highly dependent on a diverse soil microbiome that facilitates ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and organic matter degradation. These transformations are mediated by microorganisms together with fauna. Nematodes, as important microbial gazers, play a key role in these processes, e.g. nutrient mineralisation. Due to their central position in the soil food web, nematodes provide an essential link for carbon and energy flow from microorganisms to higher trophic levels. These multiple functions of nematodes have made them as useful indicators of soil condition and plant health. However, plant parasites are severe pests that control plant carbon allocation and, in turn, the rhizosphere microbiome. Another aspect is their vector potential for both plant and human pathogenic microorganisms within microbial hotspots. Overall, nematodes have a major impact on agricultural soils, and sustainable management requires consideration of their diverse interactions with the soil microbiome.