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Nematodes are non-segmented worms typically 1/500 inch (50 microns) to 1/20 inch (1 mm).
They are divided into five groups:
Bacterial feeders graze on bacteria and are important in nutrient cycling. The bacteria have much more Nitrogen than the Nematode needs, so the rest in mineralized in the form of ammonium (NH4).
Fungal feeding nematodes feed by puncturing the walls of the hyphae with specialized mouth parts called stylets and suck out its contents.
Predatory nematodes eat all types of protozoa and other nematodes.
Omnivores eat a wide variety of organisms, and may prefer different diets during its life cycle.
Root feeders are plant parasites and are not free living in the soil.
The N, P, K, Ca, Fe, and S that were immobilized by bacteria and fungi are consumed by the nematodes, and their waste is in the form of plant available nutrients. In their movement, they mix and move organic matter, providing new surfaces for bacteria and fungi to feed on. Nematodes are also a food source for other SFW organism such as arthropods and insects.
Nematode Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nematode
Beneficial Predatory Nematodes: http://www.biconet.com/biocontrol/nemas.html
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