Nematode Distribution in Some British Upland Moor Soils with a Note on Nematode Parasitizing Fungi

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Abstract
The numbers of nematodes in moorland soils were estimated and their horizontal, vertical and microdistributions were studied using the Overgaard Nielsen version of the Baermann funnel technique. Densities between 6000 and 5700 000/m2 and differences between the different peaty and mineral soil sites were found. Like many soil organisms, the nematodes were aggregated and largely concentrated in the surface layers of the soil. This vertical distribution was more marked on the peaty soils which were more moist. Vertical stratification was most marked for the miscellaneous feeders and least for the plant feeders and there was no evidence of seasonal vertical migration. Seasonal variation in density was found on 1 peaty soil site (Juncus) but not on the mineral soils. A few nematode parasitic fungi, recorded for the 1st time from such soils, were encountered on the Juncus and mineral soil sites, but their effect on controlling nematode numbers is thought to be negligible. In common with other soil organisms, it is not possible to relate the observed population changes to obvious soil or climatic factors.

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