Soil Nematode Community Analysis of Four Chickpea Cultivated Areas in Aksaray, Türkiye

This study investigates soil nematode communities in four distinct chickpea cultivation areas in Aksaray, Türkiye, to understand their composition, ecological functions, and impact on soil health. Chickpeas, as the nitrogen-fixing crop, play a vital role in sustainable agriculture, supporting soil health and providing economic benefits in rural areas. Soil nematodes, however, including plant-parasitic types like root-knot and lesion nematodes, pose risks to chickpea yield by damaging root systems, thus necessitating effective management strategies. The research took place from May to December 2023 at Düzce University’s Nematology Laboratory. Soil samples from four locations (Akgülü, Bağınbaşı, Camili and Göllü) in Aksaray were collected and using the Baermann funnel technique nematodes were exracted. Nematode identification and ecological parameter analyses used for nematode-based biological monitoring were conducted with light microscopy and structured taxonomic keys. The study grouped the nematodes based on feeding behaviors, showing distinct profiles across locations: bacterivores dominated in Akgülü, while Bağınbaşı had a higher prevalence of plant-parasitic nematodes, suggesting soil biodiversity challenges. Analysis of soil food webs indicated a stressed ecosystem in Akgülü and enriched, structured soil in Bağınbaşı, as shown by higher enrichment and structure index values. These patterns highlight the effects of soil management on nematode communities, with biodiversity directly linked to soil health and chickpea productivity. Findings emphasize that integrated pest management, including crop rotation and resistant chickpea varieties, is essential to mitigate the effects of nematodes. The study provides insights into nematode-driven soil dynamics and underscores the need for further research on nematode impacts in various agroecosystems, particularly for sustainable chickpea cultivation.