Natural ecosystem heterogeneity diversity and functioning of nematode communities in a semi-desert ecosystem in Mexico

The aim of the present study was to detect heterogeneity diversity in seasonal, site, tree species, and soil properties' effects on structural functional attributes nematode communities under smooth mesquite, Prosopis laevigata palo brea, Cericidium praecox within Biosphere Reserve Valle de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. Soils biological crusts neighbouring exposed sites were surveyed during dry wet seasons 2018. Assessment effective (D) weighted by metabolic footprint (DMFP) calculated as they reflect taxonomic diversity. Trophic group abundances both indices showed marked seasonal variation. Soil water content bulk density only physicochemical variables that variation whereas density, total C N significant between sites. DMFP seemed have a better chance explaining relationship with than D shown PCA analyses. This places an index for measuring related ecosystem services therefore should be used tool integrity assessments at level support aid stewardship management policies.