Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

This section of the Handbook of Zoology is intended as a comprehensive and exhaustive account of the biology of the taxa Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Nematomorpha, Priapulida, Kinorhyncha, Loricifera, Gnathostomulida, Micrognathozoa, Rotifera, Seisonida and Acanthocephala, covering all relevant topics such as morphology, ecology, phylogeny and diversity. The series is intended to be a detailed and up-to-date account of these taxa. As was the case with the first edition, the Handbook is intended to serve as a reliable resource for decades. Many of the taxa of this volume are comparatively unknown to many biologists, despite their diversity and importance for example in meiofaunal communities (Gastrotricha, Rotifera, Gnathostomulida), their fascinating recent discoveries (Loricifera and Micrognathozoa), their importance as parasites (many nematodes, Nematomorpha, Acanthocephala) and their importance for evolutionary questions (e.g. Priapulida, Gastrotricha). The groups covered range from those poor in species (such as Micrognathozoa with 2 known species) to the species-rich and diverse Nematoda and their ca. 20.000 described species. While each taxon is covered by one chapter, nematodes are treated in several chapters dedicated to their structural, taxonomic and ecological diversity.

Nematodes. --- Plant nematodes. --- Soil nematodes. --- Nematodes --- Soil invertebrates --- Phytopathogenic nematodes --- Plant parasitic nematodes --- Plant parasites --- Nematode diseases of plants --- Nematode-plant relationships --- Eelworms --- Nemas --- Nemata --- Nemates --- Nematoda --- Nematoidea --- Round worms --- Roundworm --- Roundworms --- Thread worms --- Threadworms --- Bilateria --- Worms --- Morphology. --- Nemotode. --- Parasite. --- Zoological Systematics. --- Zoology.

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Soil fauna plays a key role in many soil functions, such as organic matter decomposition, humus formation, and nutrient release, modifying soil structure, and improving its fertility. Soil invertebrates play key roles in determining soil suitability for agricultural production and realizing sustainable farming systems. They include an enormous diversity of arthropods, nematodes, and earthworms. However, this fauna suffers from the impact of agricultural activities with implications for the capacity of soil to maintain its fertility and provide ecosystem services. Some agricultural practices may create crucial soil habitat changes, with consequences for invertebrate biodiversity. In the few last decades, especially under intensive and specialized farming systems, a loss in soil ecosystem services has been observed, as a result of the reduction in both the abundance and taxonomic diversity of soil faunal communities. On the other hand, agricultural practices, based on sustainable soil management, can promote useful soil fauna. Therefore, the concerns about the sensibility of soil biota to the agricultural practices make it urgent to develop sustainable management strategies, able to realize favorable microclimate and habitats, and reduce the soil disturbance.

soil biota --- invertebrates --- farming systems --- bioenergy --- biodiversity --- wheat --- ecosystem --- axonchium --- helicotylenchus --- tylenchorhynchus --- pratylenchus --- reniform --- vertosol --- gossypium --- Gossypium --- Zea mays --- vertisol --- Lumbricidae --- Aporrectodea caliginosa --- Aporrectodea rosea --- phosphorus fertilizers --- phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms --- renewable resources --- heavy metals --- Luvisols --- ground-dwelling arthropods --- pitfall traps --- cover crops --- ecosystem services --- natural enemies --- pear pests --- biological control --- soil organic matter --- soil pH --- post-harvest residues --- crop rotation --- Hordeum vulgare L. --- Vicia faba L. ssp. minor --- soil biodiversity --- vineyard --- co-occurrence patterns --- soil moisture --- soil temperature --- vineyard management --- traditional management --- sustainable agriculture --- management intensity --- South Tyrol --- mountain agriculture --- soil --- soil properties --- macrofauna --- earthworms --- sustainability --- soil invertebrates --- bioindicators --- soil quality --- mesofauna --- soil degradation --- land management