Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5513/RYKZ5783

Nematodes as bioindicators of soil conditions at Mauremys rivulata nesting sites in Croatia

Bruna Tariba ; University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia *
Mirjana Brmež ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Department of Phytomedicine, Osijek, Croatia
Dragica Šalamon ; University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The aim of this preliminary research was to assess the potential of soil nematode communities as bioindicators of soil condition at nesting sites of the Balkan terrapin, Mauremys rivulata, on agricultural land in southern Croatia. Soil was
sampled at nine confirmed nesting sites in 2023 and 2024. Nematodes were extracted from soil, identified to genus level, classified into feeding groups, and their communities were characterised using nematological indices. Nematode
indicators were compared with physicochemical analysis and recorded land use. Nematode abundance, genus richness, feeding-group composition, and soil food-web structure varied among sites with different land-use and vegetation
characteristics and between sampling years. Natural grassland and abandoned sites with overgrown vegetation supported more diverse and structured soil food webs, whereas organic enrichment and cultivation at certain sites were associated with shifts in nematode community structure. Analysis of nematode communities can provide valuable complementary information on soil conditions at turtle nesting sites, particularly when interpreted in combination with soil physicochemical properties and land-use characteristics.

Keywords

Mauremys rivulata; Nematodes; Bioindicators; Soil condition; Habitat management

Hrčak ID:

351470

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351470

Publication date:

28.9.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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