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Soil-Inhabiting Nematodes, Phylum Nematoda

Robert McSorley
Contacts: Elena Rhodes


Release Date: 3/22/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-in138-1997

Agriculture

Abstract

This document provides an overview of soil-inhabiting nematodes, highlighting their diverse habitats, classification, and feeding habits. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms found in various environments, including soil, where they play crucial roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling. The article discusses different types of nematodes, such as herbivores, bacterivores, fungivores, predators, and omnivores, and their ecological significance. It also emphasizes the importance of nematodes as bioindicators of soil health and their potential impact on agriculture. The document is part of the Entomology and Nematology Department series.

About this Publication

This document is EENY-012, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date July 1997. Revised July 2007, July 2022, and December 2025. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

McSorley, R. (1997). Soil-Inhabiting Nematodes, Phylum Nematoda. EDIS, 1997. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in138-1997

Authors

Robert McSorley
Robert McSorley
Specialist
University of Florida

professor emeritus, nematode ecology and management, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology

Contacts

Elena Rhodes
Elena Rhodes
staff
University of Florida

biological scientist III, Department of Entomology and Nematology

Publication #EENY-012