Extensive management of inter-row vegetation promotes soil fauna in Mediterranean vineyards

Abstract: Soil degradation threatens ecosystem functioning, making sustainable management
a global priority. In perennial crops such as vineyards, extensive inter-row vegetation may
support soil biodiversity and associated functions. We assessed the effects of inter-row
management on soil invertebrates by sampling vegetation, soil properties, and fauna
(springtails, mites, and earthworms) in 25 organic vineyards in south-eastern France. Three
practices were compared: fully vegetated inter-rows, alternating vegetated inter-rows, and
shallow tillage. Shallow tillage showed direct negative effects on Gamasida mites, whereas
vegetation cover and soil physic and chemistry were the main drivers of soil fauna. Anecic
earthworm abundance, particularly Lumbricus terrestris, increased with vegetation cover and endogeic earthworm abundance with organic matter. These results underline the importance of reduced tillage and diverse inter-row vegetation to sustain soil habitats and ecological functions in vineyards.