Types

• There are four basic types of free-living nematodes. There are those that eat bacteria, those that eat fungus, those that eat other nematodes, and those that eat smaller organisms. Other types of nematodes attach to plant roots and are not free-living within the soil.
  
  

Description

• Nematodes are non-segmented worms. They are usually about 1/500th of an inch wide and 1/20th of an inch long. Most types are white to transparent in coloring.
  
  

Benefits

• Certain types of nematodes help control disease within the soil. Other types cycle nutrients through the soil. They are also of vital importance in decomposition of soil.
  
  

Pests

• There are other types of nematodes that feed on plants and cause disease within the soil. They are of major concern to agricultural operations.
  
  

Function

• Nematodes are sometimes used to access soil quality. The diversity of the nematode population, as well as the numbers of nematodes present, can tell scientists a lot about the soil and its history.