Beneficial effects of conservation agriculture on soil fauna communities in Northern France

Abstract

Abstract Aim Conservation agriculture is increasingly adopted to improve soil fertility and reduce the depressive effects of intensive farming on soil functions and associated services. However, conservation agriculture systems may greatly differ from each other by their age and the quantity and the quality of cover crops and the effects of these variables on soil fauna are still poorly known. Here, we aim at gaining insight into the impact of conservation agriculture on soil mesofauna and macrofauna communities at the cropping and farming system levels. Method Collembola and earthworm communities were compared in seven neighbouring pairs of fields (same topography, spring crop and soil type) being either under conventional systems, or under conservation agriculture systems with intermediate autumn cover crops. Results Conservation agriculture systems positively influenced soil mesofauna and macrofauna communities compared to conventional systems. The beneficial effects of conservation agriculture on earthworm communities were predominantly related to the lower soil physical disturbance (no-tillage) while Collembola were also positively affected by cover crop characteristics and the age of the practice. Conclusions The adoption of conservation agriculture systems may improve earthworm and Collembola abundance and represents thus an innovative opportunity for sustainable crop production through the preservation of soil biodiversity. In addition, our findings suggest that both earthworms and Collembola may be used as indicators for agri-environmental management at the cropping system level.