Responses of soil mesofauna to organic and conventional management systems and their relationships with soil physicochemical properties in Berkane, Morocco

Abstract This study examined the diversity and abundance of soil mesofauna and their relationships with soil physicochemical properties under organic and conventional management systems, compared to native vegetation, in rural areas of Berkane, Oriental region of Morocco. A total of 1,248 mesofauna individuals were collected and identified, with Acari and Collembola being the dominant groups across all land-use systems, collectively accounting for more than 50% of the total abundance. Among the three systems, native vegetation (NV) exhibited the highest mesofauna richness and abundance, followed by organic management (OM) and conventional management (CM). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) revealed distinct associations between specific mesofauna groups and land-use types. Dermaptera, Hemiptera, and Thysanoptera were primarily linked to OM, whereas Acari, Aranae, and Chilopoda were prevalent NV. Soil physicochemical properties varied significantly among the systems, with NV showing higher organic carbon and moisture content. OM exhibiting increased phosphorus and clay content, and CM having elevated levels of calcium and potassium. Despite these differences, no significant correlations were found between mesofauna diversity and soil properties, suggesting that other factors, such as biotic interactions or microclimatic conditions, may play a more pivotal role in shaping mesofauna communities. These findings underscore the crucial role highlight the importance of native vegetation in conserving soil biodiversity and indicate that organic management can serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of land-use systems on soil health and biodiversity, emphasizing the need for sustainable agricultural strategies in the region.