Changes in nematode abundances and body length in response to management intensive grazing in a low-input temperate pasture

► Nematode family diversity (H') and number of families were significantly higher in intermediate intensity and low intensity treatments. ► Bacteria-feeding nematodes were the most abundant functional group in the study. ► Plant feeding nematodes were mainly influenced by season and moisture. ► Rhabditids showed increasing variability as the experiment progressed. ► The nematode community channel index indicated that there was an overall movement from a fungal-influenced to a bacterial-influenced soil system as the experiment progressed through time.