The Soil Inhabiting Nematodes of Macquarie Island

The principal conditions affecting the populations have been discussed and it is concluded that the numbers and types of algae and bacteria are of major importance since most of the nematode species identified are believed to feed on these groups of microorganisms.

An attempt has been made to assess the relative importance of nematodes in processes of decomposition in Macquarie Island soils. In August, September and February of 1951-52, soil samples were collected from 42 different localities considered to be reasonably representative of the range of environments occurring on Macquarie Island. Where possible the samples included the surface 6 inches of soil taken from a number of points in each locality.