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The maturity index: an ecological measure of environmental disturbance based on nematode species composition
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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d243664e53">Nematode assemblages constitute a potential instrument
for assessing the quality of
submersed, temporarily submersed, and terrestrial soils and for the development of
an ecological typology and biomonitoring system. Interpretation of physical or pollution-induced
disturbances has hitherto mainly been based on changes in diversity, dominance patterns
or percentage of dorylaimids (Adenophorea). The maturity index, based on the nematode
fauna, is proposed as a gauge of the condition of the soil ecosystem. Values on a
coloniser/persister scale are given for nematodes that occur in The Netherlands. The
possibilities of the use of this index are demonstrated by a retrospective interpretation
of some literature data. The use of nematodes in environmental studies is discussed.
</p>