Soil nematode genera that predict specific types of disturbance

► Cultivation reduced abundances of Diphtherophora, Prismatolaimus and Tylenchorhynchus. ► Application of synthetic chemical fertilizers reduced numbers of Plectus. ► Organic fertilization increased numbers of Cruznema, Mesorhabditus, Mesodorylaimus and Nygolaimus. ► These genera are potential indicators that can be used by non-specialists.