Grazing
- At low nematode densities
Feeding by nematodes stimulates the growth rate of prey populations.
Nematodes will reduce the population of their prey.
May decrease plant productivity
May negatively impact mycorrhizal fungi
Can reduce decomposition and immobilization rates by bacteria and fungi.
May regulate populations of bacterial-and fungal-feeding nematodes
May control the balance between bacteria and fungi, and the species composition of the microbial community.