Seasonal dynamics of nematode and microbial biomass in soils of riparian-zone forests of the Southern Appalachians. Maxwell, R. A. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 1995.
Seasonal dynamics of nematode and microbial biomass in soils of riparian-zone forests of the Southern Appalachians. [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
In a study of the dynamics of labile forest-floor C and N in riparian zones of the Coweeta hardwood forest floor, we measured microbial biomass and nematodes (principally microbivores) in the top 10 cm seven times in a 10 month period. Total microbial biomass C ranged from 680 to 1270 SmuSg g soil_-1_, and was significantly higher in the Fall, under Rhododendron than in the general forest area (tulip poplar and chestnut oak, co-dominants). Total microbial biomass N ranged from 80 to 220 SmuSg g soil_-1_, reaching a peak in later summer. Nematodes averaged 11.3 X 10_6_ m_-2_, among the highest known for nematodes in terrestrial ecosystems. With nematode microbivores averaging 5% of microbial biomass C, their effects upon the turnover of this labile microbial pool are considerable.

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