Avanços e perspectivas no uso de nematoides como bioindicadores da qualidade do solo e alterações ambientais

Nematodes are the most abundant animals on the planet and are found in various biomes, where they play crucial ecological roles. Their presence in soil reflects the effectiveness of regenerative agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience, while variations in nematode communities can provide insights into soil quality. Analyzing soil nematode communities using ecological and metabolic indices allows us to assess microbiota diversity and trophic structure. This approach helps measure carbon cycling and detect environmental stressors. It also has commercial applications, including evaluating soil quality in agriculture, monitoring environmental impacts, and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs. Some companies already use nematological analyses to promote sustainable practices and environmental certifications. However, challenges such as the need for technical expertise, the complexity of data interpretation, and taxonomic limitations persist. In this sense, the present review aims to explore the use of nematodes as bioindicators of soil quality and environmental changes, highlighting their ecological and commercial importance, as well as the challenges and future perspectives.