Collect a handful of soil. At a glance, it might simply appear to be dirt and nothing more. Inside that, however, is an ecosystem of living creatures. Some are so small, we will never be able to notice them. They still play a critical role in increasing the harvests necessary to feed the population. One such element is a nematode worm.

As abstract as the name sounds, you will find it surprising that nematodes are extremely common. Researchers believe that there exist approximately 60 billion nematode worms for every single individual. This specific species of thread-like worms is extraordinarily famous throughout the globe, and they hold great importance when it comes to farming or soil. The real question remains, are they allies or enemies? The reply to that is - both.

Let us discuss the existence of nematodes - their identity, effects on soil health, crop damage, and how to strategically manage them.

WHAT ARE NEMATODES WORMS?

Nematodes refer to the tiny, unsegmented worms that live in soil or water. While many are unimaginably too small to be viewed without a microscope, their existence and actions greatly impact the environment. Based on their species, these organisms are sized between a staggering 0.2 millimeters to a few centimeters.

Some of these creatures feed on soil bacteria, and fungi or prey upon other microorganisms. Plant-parasitic nematodes feast on plant roots which can potentially lead to crop destruction. Because of this, these organisms become a critical health concern to farmers. Few consume bacteria while others become prey to fungi and feed off them; these are known as fungivores. Some consume everything, which classifies them as omnivores. Other hunters stalk fellow nematodes or microscopic life in the soil.

It is clear that, despite their lack of size, nematodes play vital roles in maintaining the balance and health of any ecosystem, especially soil.

BENEFITS OF NEMATODES

Many species of nematodes assist in improving the health of soil. They operate much like recycling machines that decompose organic material, release nutrients, and encourage growth within the soil. This is how they do it:

  1. Nutrient Recycling: Bacterivores and fungivores eat microbes. Subsequently, they release nitrogen into the soil. Plants absorb these nutrients and strengthen their skeletal structure. Farmers also benefit from this self-fertilization process.
  2. Controlling Harmful Microbes : A few nematode species prey on pathogenic agents and eat them. These pathogens are successfully eliminated through territorial competition for resources. It lowers the risk of soil-borne diseases.
  3. Improving Soil Structure : An active healthy nematode population generates microbial activity. Eventually, the soil particles come together to form small spaces filled with air. It helps roots and water to penetrate in a much easier manner.
  4. Soil Health Indicator: Due to their environmental sensitivity, nematodes' presence and species variety are commonly utilized as indicators for soil health which is on par with the overall soil vitality. Therefore, a well-diversified nematode population is an indication of healthy soil.

SIDE EFFECTS OF NEMATODES

Let's examine in detail the more unpleasant side of nematodes, the ones that damage crops. These nematodes are known as “plant parasitic nematodes”. They pose a significant threat to farmers globally. Unlike the beneficial ones, these nematodes parasitize and feed off plant roots by either external root maceration or inward bone excavation. Such destructive actions tend to damage the root, limit the growth of the plants, and in some cases, decrease the number of crops produced.

Some of the worst offenders include root-knot nematodes. These cause swollen galls or knots on roots. They are known as cyst nematodes and they invade soybeans and potatoes by forming protective cysts around them.

The lesion nematodes excavate roots leading them to rot. Studies show that the reniform nematodes are very harmful to cotton, bananas, and pineapples. The damage these nematodes physically cause is only a portion of the overall damage. It creates an additional parasitic infection from bacteria and fungi which weakens the plants making them turn yellow, stunted, die, and ruin the harvest.

The infestations of these pests are extremely detrimental. It is known that when the roots of plants are damaged, their ability to absorb essential water and nutrients is inhibited. This severely impacts their overall health and productivity. 

NEMATODES MANAGEMENT TIPS

There are helpful methods for controlling harmful nematodes while preserving beneficial nematodes. Here are some common practices employed by farmers and gardeners:

1. Crop Rotation

Rotating crops with non-host plants. For example, alternating between vegetables and cereals aids in breaking the lifetime cycle of the nematode. 

2. Resistant Varieties Of Plants. 

Certain crops have been developed to withstand the attacks of specific nematodes. For example, a type of tomato is resistant to root-knot nematodes and stays safe against root galls. 

3. Adding Organic Matter. 

Compost, green manure, and neem cake add soil fertility and aid in the organic destruction of harmful nematodes. These organic encourage the activity of beneficial nematodes and other microbes as well.

4. Soil Solarization

In warmer regions, placing a sheet of clear plastic over moist soil for a couple of weeks can retain heat and eliminate many soil-borne pests such as nematodes.

5. Chemical Nematicides

Chemical nematicides are designed specifically to exterminate nematodes. Though effective, they are quite costly and may damage beneficial organisms. Expert guidance is a necessity for these protective measures.

BALANCING GOOD AND BAD NEMATODES

Although we need to control the damaging species of nematodes, it is no use trying to rid all nematodes from the soil. That would be ecologically harmful. It is important to strike a balance.

In doing so, we must preserve soils wherein different species of nematodes interact and complete specific tasks. Some need to control pests while some perform matter decomposition. The use of harsh chemicals can pose significant problems.

CONCLUSION

Even an organism the size of a nematode can impact soil health, agricultural productivity, and the overall economy. Nematodes worms are a major factor in the soil ecosystem.

Knowing the duality of such organisms—how they can help and harm—allows for better management. With balanced and informed approaches, we can manage crop viability, and soil fertility, and bolster agriculture in the long run.