Sven Boström

Nematode community structure as indicator of soil functioning in European grassland soils

This investigation analyses whether soil nematode diversity is correlated with soil functional parameters to serve as bioindicator of soil functioning. The analysis focuses on the interrelations of nematofauna, microflora, and soil nitrogen pools. The sites studied represent six major European grassland types: Northern tundra, atlantic heath, wet grassland, seminatural temperate grassland, East European steppe, and mediterranean garigue. Continental and local climate gradients were combined to a wide and continuous range of microclimate conditions. Nematode richness, as indicated by the number of genera, was highest under temperate conditions and declined towards the climatic extremes. Differences in richness affected all nematode feeding types proportionally. Nematode richness was the only parameter among a range of 15 alternatives tested that exhibited consistent correlations with mass and activity parameters of both nematofauna and microflora in the mineral grassland soils (garigue, wet grassland, seminatural grassland, steppe). In the same soils, the nematode Maturity Index was the best indicator of nitrogen status. We conclude that a high nematode richness can generally be seen as a good indicator of an active nematofauna and microflora in mineral grassland soils, and hence as an indicator of the decomposition function. The prospects of exploiting nematode diversity as an indicator of soil functioning are critically discussed.

Design and evaluation of nematode 18S rDNA primers for PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of soil community DNA

Abstract Consensus nematode 18S ribosomal DNA primers were designed by aligning available 18S sequences and identifying a variable region flanked by highly conserved regions. These primers were then used to amplify nematode 18S rDNA from whole soil community DNA extracted from a range of European grassland types. Cloning of the PCR amplicons (778 bp) followed by restriction digest analysis (RFLP) resulted in the recovery of 34 unique nematode sequences from the four grasslands studied. Comparison of these data with the limited number of 18S rDNA nematode sequences currently held in on-line databases revealed that all of the sequences could be assigned to known nematode taxa albeit tentatively in some cases. Two of the sequences recovered from the site in the Netherlands (wet, hay-grassland) were recovered in a clade that included a sequence of the genus Trichodorus whilst other sequences from this site showed similarity with 18S rDNA sequences of the genus Prismatolaimus (five sequences), Xiphinema (one sequence) and Enoplus (one sequence). Of the remaining sequences, two showed some affinity with Mylonchulus (UK, upland peat), four with Steinernema (UK) and one sequence with Mesorhabditis (Hungary, east European Steppe). Three sequences from the Netherlands and one from Hungary were recovered in a clade that included a sequence of the genus Pratylenchoides whilst three further sequences from the Netherlands and two from Hungary were recovered in a clade encompassing the genus Globodera. Of the remaining nine sequences, two (NL6, NL62) formed a distinct lineage within the Adenophorea with 90% bootstrap recovery in a paraphyletic clade that included sequences of Prismatolaimus and Trichodorus. Seven sequences (three from the Netherlands, three from the UK and one from Greece) were left unassigned though the tree topology suggested some relationship (58% bootstrap recovery) with the genus Cephalobus. To assess whether primers used to amplify 18S rDNA might be used to fingerprint genetic diversity in nematode communities in soil, the environmental sequence data were used to design a second set of primers carrying a GC-clamp. These primers amplified a 469 bp fragment internal to the region flanked by the primer set used to derive the nematode trees and were used to amplify 18S rDNA for subsequent analysis using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). DGGE analysis of six major European grassland types revealed considerable genetic diversity between sites. However, the relationships seen with the DGGE data were inconsistent with previous studies where the same soils had been characterized with respect to functional and morphological diversity. To confirm that this second set of primers was amplifying nematode sequences, selected bands on the DGGE gels were extracted, PCR amplified and sequenced. The final alignment was 337 bases. These analyses revealed the presence of sequence signatures from the genera Paratrichodorus, Plectus, Steinernema, Globodera, Cephalobus and Pratylenchoides.

Effects of the nematofauna on microbial energy and matter transformation rates in European grassland soils

The effect of the nematofauna on the microbiology and soil nitrogen status was studied in 6 major European grassland types (Northern tundra (Abisko, Sweden), Atlantic heath (Otterburn, UK), wet grassland (Wageningen, Netherlands), semi-natural temperate grassland (Linden, Germany), East European steppe (Pusztaszer, Hungary) and Mediterranean garigue (Mt. Vermion, Greece). To extend the range of temperature and humidity experienced locally during the investigation period, soil microclimates were manipulated, and at each site 14 plots were established representing selected combinations of 6 temperature and 6 moisture levels. The investigated soils divided into two groups: mineral grassland soils that were precipitation fed (garigue, wet grassland, seminatural grassland, steppe), and wet organic soils that were groundwater fed (heath, tundra). Effects of the nematofauna on the microflora were found in the mineral soils, where correlations among nematode metabolic activity as calculated from a metabolic model, and microbial activity parameters as indicated by Biolog and ergosterol measurements, were significantly positive. Correlations with bacterial activity were stronger and more consistent. Microbial parameters, in turn, were significantly correlated with the size of the soil nitrogen pools NH4, NO3, and Norganic. Furthermore, model results suggested that there were remarkable direct effects of nematodes on soil nitrogen status. Calculated monthly nematode excretion contributed temporarily up to 27% of soluble soil nitrogen, depending on the site and the microclimate. No significant correlation among nematodes and microbial parameters, or nitrogen pools, were found in the wet organic soils. The data show that the nematofauna can under favourable conditions affect soil nitrogen status in mineral grassland soils both directly by excretion of N, and indirectly by regulating microbial activity. This suggests that the differences in nitrogen availability observed in such natural grasslands partly reflect differences in the activity of their indigenous nematofauna.

The geographic distribution of metazoan microfauna on East Antarctic nunataks

The abundance and distribution of nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades in samples from nunataks in continental Antarctica were investigated during four Antarctic expeditions in the austral summers of 1991/92, 1993/94, 1996/97 and 2001/02. Altogether 368 samples were collected from 14 nunataks and one oasis in East Antarctica. Nematodes were found in 35%, rotifers in 67% and tardigrades in 40% of all samples. Fifty-four microfaunal taxa were identified. Of these, 27 were nematodes, 8 tardigrades and 19 rotifers. The size and geographic location of the nunatak and oasis influenced the abundance and taxonomic composition of the microfauna. The highest abundance and diversity of nematodes were found on large nunataks close to the coast. Nematodes were not found on small inland nunataks. Very high population densities of tardigrades and rotifers were found on two small and isolated nunataks. No microfauna was found on the two southernmost nunataks (Okkenhaugrusta and Vardeklettane), or on the smallest one (Utsikta). The Sørensen’s Quotient of Similarity was generally low, especially between faunas on nunataks in different mountain ridges. The results indicate rather limited rates of dispersal and colonization between nunataks.

Distribution patterns of microfauna (nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades) on nunataks in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica

In a previous paper the occurrence of nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades in 29 samples from nunataks in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica taken 1991/1992 was recorded. In this study, a more thorough description of animal distribution is possible by adding 64 new samples (1993/1994), thus increasing the total number from these studies to 93 soil samples from 11 nunataks. The number of species recorded from the area has now increased from 27 to 34. The populations were patchily distributed and the species composition differed between nunatak areas in Vestfjella and Heimefrontfjella. In most samples only one or a few species of nematodes or tardigrades were found. The number of rotifer species in a particular sample varied from nought to seven. Rotifers occurred in most of the samples (76%) with a maximum density of 750 specimens/gram dry weight. The nematode distribution was more restricted. Nematodes were found in high abundance on only four of the nunataks and occurred in 35% of the samples with a maximum density of 210 specimens/gram dry weight. Tardigrades were found in 39% of the samples with a maximum density of 580 specimens/gram dry weight. Some of the tardigrade species were widely distributed, whereas others were found only on specific nunataks. The distribution pattern of the fauna on two of the nunataks, Basen and Fossilryggen, was studied in greater detail and the results showed little difference in peak abundance and species composition between samplings carried out during two southern summer seasons.

Nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades from nunataks in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica

Four species of nematodes, sixteen species of rotifers and seven species of tardigrades were found in samples from nunataks in Vestfjella and Heimefrontfjella in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica. The distribution of the fauna was very aggregated and some samples contained no animals. The degree of similarity in species composition between various nunataks was low. The highest abundances and number of species were found on the largest and highest nunataks in the most southern position.

Species diversity and random distribution of microfauna in extremely isolated habitable patches on Antarctic nunataks

Populations of metazoan microfauna (nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades) are patchily distributed on mountain outcrops penetrating the ice sheet (nunataks) in continental Antarctica. The abundance and fauna composition of microscopic animals vary greatly also among samples from similar types of habitats. Occurrence of similar seemingly habitable sites without microfauna and sites with various combinations of animal taxa indicates that stochastic colonization processes as well as local environmental factors and historical factors influence faunal composition in a specific habitable patch. The abundance of nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades in various combinations of co-occurrence was analyzed. One objective was to investigate if biotic interactions structuring these simple communities could be observed. The 368 samples analysed originate from three kinds of habitats, viz. mosses, ornithogenic soils and fellfield soils, obtained from 14 nunataks in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica. It is suggested that high population densities of any of the three animal groups, when they were found alone and lower densities, when they coexisted with other taxa could indicate the presence of competition or predation. However, the great variability in microfauna densities for similar habitable patches made it difficult to find significant differences among population densities in samples with varying complexity.

Characterization of the mite fauna (Acari) in Swedish barn dust

Abstract The mite fauna in barn dust from 30 farms on the Swedish island of Gotland was analysed. All samples contained mites, but densities varied from 660 to 200,500 specimens/g dust. Twelve species of astigmatic mites were identified and among them was Lepidoglyphus destructor from all the farms and abundant in most samples. Tyrophagus spp., Acarus siro -complex and Glycyphagus domesticus were also present in high numbers. Of the prostigmatic mites, the families Cheyletidae, Tarsonemidae and Tydeidae were represented in almost all samples. Significant positive correlations were obtained between the acarids and the predatory cheyletid mites and between the glycyphagids and the cheyletids (p <0.05).

Annual and long-term fluctuations of the nematode fauna in a Swedish Scots pine forest soil

Summary Samples from an old Scots pine forest at Ivantjarnsheden in the middle of Sweden were used to study predictability and patterns of variation of soil nematode communities. There were two annual sampling series (1974–75 and 1977–78) and one long-term series sampled in September ten times over a period of 25 years. The abundance and the composition of the fauna fluctuated rather considerably in both the annual and long-term series. In the annual series abundance and species composition varied in a way which can partly be explained by changes in temperature and moisture. Total nematode abundance was influenced by soil water contents as indicated by co-variations with precipitation. Although the variations in abundance and fauna composition were large no systematic changes could be detected during 25 years. The differences in faunal structure between the two annual series were greater than between the annual and the long-term series. In all series there was a distinct vertical stratification of the fauna. In the superficial moss and litter layers species belonging to Adenophorea ( Plectus ) dominated. In deeper layers members of Rhabditida ( Acrobeloides ) contributed a greater proportion of the fauna. Variations of the annual series indicate that coexistence of different nematode species is facilitated by differences in response to temperature and moisture. The abundance of fungal and bacterial feeders changed in a regular way. During the summer the proportions of fungal and bacterial feeders were almost equal, but during the wet and cold winter the proportion of bacterial feeders increased. Rapidly growing bacterial feeding species belonging to Rhabditida were common in late summer and early autumn, whereas the more slowly growing bacterial feeders belonging to Adenophorea were most abundant during the winter. Although the community fluctuated rather much the average values indicated a rather high degree of predictability and also a high similarity with nematode faunas of other pine forest soils.

Effects of plant species and plant diversity on soil nematodes – a field experiment on grassland run for seven years

Plant species identity and diversity may greatly influence the composition of the nematode fauna. In this study the development of the nematode fauna was followed in a field experiment on arable soil with monocultures and mixtures of several plant species. Experimental plots were sown with one, four or 12 species of grass, legumes and forbs and were sampled four times in 7 years. Nematode diversity was little influenced by plant diversity. Due to a pronounced increase of Paratylenchus projectus populations, the Shannon diversity index decreased in several treatments towards the end of the experiment. Differences in nematode faunal composition among treatments increased with time. In spite of the rather long duration of the experiment, the faunal composition did not stabilise but changed continuously. The obligate plant feeders Tylenchorhynchus dubius , T. maximus and Pratylenchus spp. occurred in higher numbers in monocultures than in mixtures of several plant species. Among the microbivores, the abundance of some bacterial- and fungal-feeding nematode taxa seemed to be directly influenced by the plant species identity. In the plots with Trifolium spp. there was an increase of rapidly growing bacterial feeders belonging to Rhabditidae and Panagrolaimidae already after the first growing season. The abundances of some bacterial-feeding nematodes were correlated to total plant production. The numbers of the omnivorous Mesodorylaimus sp. appeared to be influenced by the degree of plant coverage. The abundance of several nematode taxa appeared to be little influenced by the composition of the vegetation. The plant feeder P. projectus and the bacterial feeder Prismatolaimus sp. reacted rather slowly and a distinct increase in numbers was only seen after 7 years, when P. projectus strongly dominated the fauna in several treatments. Among the bacterial feeders, some species with moderate growth rate belonging to Cephalobidae decreased with time in several treatments.