No tillage increases soil microarthropod (Acari and Collembola) abundance at the global scale

Abstract

● Conservation tillage increases soil microarthropod abundance at the global scale.

● The effect of conservative tillage on microarthropods is soil texture-dependent.

● This positive effect of conservation tillage is particularly evident in nutrient-poor soil areas.

● In temperate humid regions, however, this positive effect of conservation tillage is limited.

● The effect of conservative tillage on microarthropods varies with fauna group and climate regions.

Conservation tillage is crucial for preserving soil structure and fertility. However, the effects of no tillage on the abundance of soil microarthropods (Acari and Collembola) remain unclear, with contrasting results reported. To assess the global impact of no tillage, we compiled a data set consisting of 59 publications, from which we extracted 167 observations for microarthropod abundance, 193 observations for Acari abundance, and 176 observations for Collembola abundance. Our findings revealed significant increases in soil microarthropods (27.1%), Acari (22.1%), and Collembola (32.3%) compared to conventional tillage under no tillage. The impact varied with soil texture, precipitation, and soil nutrient availability. Furthermore, to assess the impact of reduced tillage, we extracted 46 observations for microarthropod abundance, 64 observations for Acari abundance, and 27 observations for Collembola abundance. Reduced tillage also showed positive effects, with a 28.4% increase in soil microarthropods and a 53.7% increase in Acari compared to conventional tillage. Our research demonstrates the beneficial effects of no tillage and reduced tillage on soil microarthropod abundance. However, the positive effect of conservation tillage on soil microarthropods differed in magnitude Collembola and Acari. Conservation tillage should be encouraged, particularly in regions with poor soil nutrients and high precipitation, to prevent further decline in soil microarthropod abundance.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

no tillage / soil microarthropod / Acari / Collembola / meta-analysis

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