Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Bioindicators of Soil Health

Abstract

Soil health or soil fertility is an ecological characteristic of an active system with the presence of many living organisms that promote plant growth. Assessment of soil health is done by chemical, physical and biological indicators. As soil organisms are naturally present in soil, therefore biological indicators are important key for monitoring soil quality. Soils are increasingly subjected to deterioration in physico-chemical properties along with reduced biodiversity that leads to low productivity. Invertebrates present in soil remain directly in contact with soil and can serve as biological indicators. Among these, nematodes are important member to consider as biological indicator. An important group of nematodes are entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which are widely used as biocontrol agent against various economically important insect pests. Some of the uniqueness and availability of EPNs makes them valuable candidates as soil health indicators. Land management practices affect the biological parameters of EPNs. This review illustrates the role of EPNs as bioindicator of soil health and their contribution to plant health as well as agricultural system.