The authors observed the effects of nematode root feeding on the aboveground plant biomass in a mixed grass prairie. Two areas of the mixed grass prairie were treated with carbofuran, a nematicide. Seasonal mean density of root-feeding nematodes was reduced approximately 82% by carbofuran. Aboveground net primary production was significantly greater in the treated plots for both season in Site 1 but only for the second year in Site 2. Increases in aboveground net primary production averaged 51% in Site 1 and 26% in Site 2. It was estimated that root-feeding nematodes reduced aboveground net primary production by 16 times more than they consumed.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.