Fertilization restructures nematode assemblages by modifying soil pH in croplands of Northeast China

Fertilization is an effective measure to ensure crop yield and food security in modern intensive agriculture. However, the long-term application of mineral fertilizers may lead soil acidification, consequently affecting organisms. Few studies have focused on effects fertilizer nematode assemblages various types. Soil chemical properties were investigated seven fields at China Cultivated Land Quality Monitoring Site Jilin Province, China, determine relationship between (especially pH) evaluate different types (e.g., luvisols, fluvisols, gleysols, phaeozems, chernozems). In all fields, pH was 0.06–1.00 units lower fertilized plots than control plots. A total 8,230 individuals representing 21 genera identified, with Paraphelenchus being most abundant genus (relative abundance 27.93%). Plant parasites leading trophic group, accounting for over 50% assemblage. For nematodes relative plant Principal component analysis (PCA) used distinguish structures after fertilization fluvisols phaeozems but not other soil. significantly correlated assemblage compared These results demonstrate that can acidification negatively affect cropland assemblages.