Differential effects of three nematicides on soil biodiversity in intensive vegetable cultivation systems

BACKGROUND: Balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability is a major challenge, highlighting the critical role of soil health in enhancing agroecosystem resilience against soil-borne diseases. This study investigates the differential effects of three nematicides, Fluazaindolizine, Fluopyram, and Metam sodium, on soil prokaryotic, fungal, and nematode communities, as well as the ecosystem services they provide within intensive vegetable cultivation systems. RESULTS: Prokaryotic diversity remained stable across all treatments and sampling periods throughout the crop cycle, whereas fungal diversity was more sensitive to nematicide application. Both Metam sodium and Fluopyram significantly reduced fungal species richness and diversity, while Fluazaindolizine exhibited only transient effects. Distinct prokaryotic and fungal biomarkers were identified for each nematicide, indicating treatment-specific shifts in soil microbiomes. Fluazaindolizine promoted prokaryotic functions related to chitinolysis and hydrocarbon degradation, whereas Metam sodium and Fluopyram partially suppressed fungal pathways involved in organic matter degradation, compared to Fluazaindolizine and untreated controls. Fluazaindolizine was less disruptive to soil functions involving fungi. Metam sodium exerted the most pronounced reduction in nematode abundance and diversity, followed by Fluopyram and Fluazaindolizine. CONCLUSION: Fluazaindolizine is a less aggressive alternative for maintaining soil biodiversity compared to Metam sodium and Fluopyram, both of which have more substantial and lasting impacts on soil fungal communities. These findings underscore the necessity of considering the broader ecological consequences of nematicide use in agricultural practices. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.