Soil Microarthropod Communities Research Articles

Responses of soil microarthropods to inorganic and organic fertilizers in a poplar plantation in a coastal area of eastern China

Soil microarthropod community is an essential functional unit of soil food webs. Fertilizers can induce an alteration of quantity and quality of food for soil fauna and trigger profound changes in soil faunal communities. We initiated this study to examine the influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil microarthropods in poplar plantations (Populus deltoides) in a coastal region of northern Jiangsu, eastern China. We established a control and four fertilizer application treatments: low and high levels of organic fertilizers, low and high levels of inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer amendments increased both soil organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N), whereas inorganic fertilizer had a positive significant effect on soil total N. The application of both inorganic and organic fertilizers resulted in significantly reduced soil pH. We found that both inorganic and organic fertilizers increased the abundance of all soil microarthropods, bacterivorous Acari, and hemiedaphic and epedaphic Collembola, but had no influence on the total taxonomic richness, Shannon diversity index and DG diversity index of the microarthropod community. The abundance of soil microarthropods was positively correlated with soil C and N, and negatively with pH. Our results indicate that changes in the quality and quantity of soil organic matter and other immediate chemical properties after fertilizer application can increase the abundance of soil microarthropods, but have a limited influence on their diversity in the coastal alkaline soils of eastern China.

Spatial variance in soil microarthropod communities: Niche, neutrality, or stochasticity?

We studied geographic patterns in the soil microarthropods associated with moss carpets on exposed rocky outcrops in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We related microarthropod composition, abundance, and species richness to 15 ecological variables relevant to either spatial or environmental filtering. Our survey identified 352 morphospecies in 32 sites spanning a 130- × 60-km area. We tested whether the relative importance of spatial and environmental factors was concordant between community composition, abundance, species richness, and 3 major taxonomic groups (Oribatida, Mesostigmata, Collembola). The results depended on the variance partitioning methods used and whether composition was defined by species abundance or presence. Distance-based Mantel tests showed that dissimilarity in species composition between sites was better predicted by spatial distance than by environmental dissimilarity. In contrast, variance partitioning of ordinated abundance data concluded that environmental rather than spatial variables explained most variance in the composition of total microarthropod, especially Collembola, assemblages. Total abundance and species richness were only weakly correlated across space, even though both were explained by environmental factors such as temperature and soil moisture. Given the surprising contradictions between methods, we suggest that different analyses should always be compared to fully uncover the spatial and environmental factors structuring communities.

Does the natural “microcosm” created by Tuber aestivum affect soil microarthropods? A new hypothesis based on Collembola in truffle culture

The interactions between fungi and soil fauna are not well known. Some studies suggest that soil microarthropods play an important role in fungi dispersion, but little is still known about the interaction between truffle and soil microarthropods. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the truffle Tuber aestivum to modify soil biogeochemistry (i.e. create a zone of scarce vegetation around the host plant, called a burn or brûlé) and to highlight the effects of the brûlé on the soil fauna community. We compared soil microarthropod communities found in the soil inside versus outside the T. aestivum brûlé with the chemistry of soil collected inside versus outside the brûlé. The study was carried out in three Mediterranean areas, two in Italy and one in Spain. The results confirmed the ability of T. aestivum to modify soil biogeochemistry in the brûlé: pH was higher and total organic carbon tended to be lower inside the brûlé compared to outside. Soil fauna communities showed some interesting differences. Some groups, such as Symphyla and Pauropoda, adapted well to the soil; some Collembolan families, and biodiversity and soil quality indices were generally higher outside the brûlé. Folsomia sp. showed higher abundance in the soil of the brûlé compared to outside. The results suggest that some Collembola groups may be attracted by the fungal metabolites produced by T. aestivum, while other Collembola and other microarthropods may find an unfavourable environment in the soil of the brûlé. The next steps will be to confirm this hypothesis and to extend the study to other keys groups such as nematodes and earthworms and to link fluctuations of soil communities with the biological phases of truffle growth.

Year-round behaviour of soil microarthropod communities under plant protection product application

The use of plant protection products (PPPs) in agro-environments can lead to undesired exposure of non-target organisms in non-target compartments. A year-round field survey was conducted in a vineyard in Northern Italy, for monitoring the changes in the structure of soil microarthropod communities under the application of PPPs, focusing on springtails and mites, both inside and 4 and 10 m outside the vineyard. Exposure to PPPs was estimated as time-weighted average soil concentrations. The fluctuations in the abundances of the different organisms after the application of PPPs, especially insecticides, were recorded. A recovery in abundances was observed at the end of the productive season outside the field and at the beginning of the next spring within the vineyard. Using multivariate statistical tools, the behaviour of each taxon in relation to the stressors was assessed. Some organisms were affected by the stressors, while others were favoured because of low vulnerability to PPPs and the indirect effect of the absence of other taxa. The principal response curves (PRC) method was the most sensitive tool for assessing PPP effects on soil arthropod communities. Strong differences were evident in the structure of the communities inside and outside the vineyard, with the communities sampled 4 and 10 m outside the vineyard being fairly similar, the latter considered as control. The role of physical stressors on community composition is recognised. However, chemical stressors, and in particular PPP exposure seemed to have larger effects on structural and functional characteristics of soil arthropod communities than physical stressors.

Composition and spatio-temporal variation of soil microarthropods in the biodiversity hotspot of northern Hengduan Mountains, China

The Hengduan Mountains, located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China, are considered to be a global biodiversity hotspot. The aims of this study were to analyze the composition and spatio-temporal distribution of the soil microarthropods in this area and the determinant factors. Six different habitats, including two deciduous broad-leaved forests, two coniferous forests, a coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest and a subalpine meadow, were selected at elevations of 2659–3845 m. Soil microarthropods were extracted from soil samples collected from each habitat in April, August and November of 2008. The soil-microarthropod communities comprised at least 155 taxa and were dominated by Poduromorpha, Oribatida and Entomobryomorpha. The composition of the soil-microarthropod communities did not vary significantly among the six habitats, but the Acari were more abundant than Collembola in the deciduous broad-leaved forests and subalpine meadow, while the reverse was true in the coniferous forests and conifer-broad leaved mixed forests. Moreover, the diversity and abundance of soil-microarthropod communities varied insignificantly among habitats. However, significant seasonal variation was observed in the composition, abundance and diversity of the soil-microarthropod community in each habitat. The Shannon index was affected by elevation, while the taxonomic richness and Pielou index were sensitive to soil bulk density and C/P ratio, respectively. With regard to taxa, the habitats only had significant influences on the abundances of Poduromorpha, Entomobryomorpha and Mesostigmata, while the seasons had significant effects on the abundances of the all major taxonomic groups. The abundances of Poduromorpha and Entomobryomorpha were mainly affected by the plant species richness, but those of Prostigmata and Mesostigmata were only affected by elevation. The results demonstrate that soil microarthropods in the study area respond more actively to temporal changes than to habitat changes, and the deciduous broad-leaved forests and grassland meadow are more suitable habitats for Acari, while the coniferous-forest habitats are more favorable habitats for Collembola.

Does the invasion of the exotic tree Ailanthus altissima affect the soil arthropod community? The case of a riparian forest of the Henares River (Madrid)

Invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity because they alter the functioning of affected ecosystems by displacing the native vegetation and fauna. This study evaluated the effect of the invasive species Ailanthus altissima on soil properties and the microarthropod community, compared to the native species Populus nigra. Soil samples were taken in riparian forests, an ecosystem with high risk of colonisation by invasive tree species, on a stretch of the Henares River (Madrid, Spain) under the canopy of both tree species. In addition, controlled laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of litter on the arthropod community. Some groups of springtails (Entomobryomorpha, Poduromorpha and Symphypleona), mites (Gamasida and some Oribatida) and other arthropods groups (spiders, pseudoscorpionids, isopods and insects) were more abundant under the native species, while Actinedida mites were more abundant under ailanthus. Differences in porosity, pH and organic matter content were also observed between soils. In the laboratory experiments, the Arthropleona springtails and a few Oribatida mites preferred poplar leaf extract, and the Actinedida mites preferred ailanthus leaves. The invasion of A. altissima could be influencing soil fauna through their litter and also could be changing several soil properties which consequently affect soil microarthropod communities. This study reveals the clear disturbance of ecosystems that the invasion by exotic species produces at many levels of the soil system.

Effect of habitat structural complexity on collembolan communities

AbstractWe investigated soil microarthropod communities in two physically dissimilar inorganic soil materials and in a mixture of these two materials to examine the effect of the structural complexity of a habitat on microarthropod abundance and communities, teasing it out from that of nutritional factors. Mesh boxes were filled with perlite (a highly porous material), similar size of granite gravels (no pores inside), or their mixture, and placed on a forest floor. The boxes were collected after 8 or 20 months, and the microarthropods were extracted and identified to the species level, with a focus on Collembola. We also evaluated fine‐root biomass and the amount of organic matter in the boxes. It was found that the mixture of perlite and granite enhanced microarthropod abundance and root development. A partial redundancy analysis revealed that collembolan communities developed differently among the substrate materials. We also found that variation in the collembolan communities was related to fine‐root development and the abundance of other microarthropods, implying that habitat structural complexity affects collembolan communities indirectly by affecting soil food webs.

Management intensity affects traits of soil microarthropod community in montane spruce forest

This study examined the influence of forest management intensity (3 unmanaged, 3 mild managed, 5 intensively managed stands) on soil microarthropods in montane spruce forest. We particularly focused on Oribatida and Collembola which play important roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Our results showed a significant shift from fungivory and carnivory to detritivory in the Oribatida community accompanying management intensification. Similarly, parthenogenetic oribatid mite species contributed more to the community in intensively managed forests and the presence of Collembola species with developed furca increased with management intensification. Although there was no remarkable influence of management intensity on total densities or diversity indices, important and significant shifts in species composition and functional groups showed that soil functions and processes were affected by forest management. Trait assessment indicates a shift in roles Oribatida play in decomposition; fragmentation and comminuting of undecomposed litter seems to gain importance in the intensively managed forest, whereas fungivorous species affect primary decomposers through feeding on fungi in the unmanaged forest.

Soil microarthropod community testing: A new approach to increase the ecological relevance of effect data for pesticide risk assessment

In the present study, a new complementary approach combining the use of the natural soil microarthropod community and conventional test methods was used. The effects of soil contamination with the insecticide carbofuran on two geographically distinct microarthropod communities (Mediterranean and Tropical) were evaluated in their soils of origin under controlled laboratory conditions.After contamination of two agricultural soils from Portugal and Brazil, a gradient of concentrations was prepared. Soil cores were taken from the respective uncontaminated surrounding areas and the mesofauna of three cores was extracted directly to the test soil. After extracting the microarthropod communities to the test soil, these were incubated under laboratory conditions for 4 weeks, after which the mesofauna was extracted again. The organisms were assorted into higher taxonomic groups and Acari and Collembola were respectively assorted into order/sub-order/cohort and family. Collembolans were still classified according to morphological traits and used as a case-study of trait based risk assessment (TERA; Baird et al., 2008) of pesticides.The exposure to insecticide contamination caused the impoverishment of the taxonomic diversity in both communities. Significant shifts in the microarthropod community structure in the different carbofuran treatments were found for both soils, although effects were more pronounced in the assay performed with the soil from Brazil. Collembolans were the most affected group with a strong decline in their abundance. A dose–response relationship was observed, showing a consistent decline on the relative abundance of Isotomidae, closely followed by an increase of Entomobryidae. Contrastingly, Acari (especially Oribatida) tended to increase their numbers with higher concentrations.Trait based analysis of Collembola data suggested that a shift in the functional composition of the communities occurred due to carbofuran soil contamination and that species adapted to deeper soil layers were more vulnerable to insecticide toxicity.

Soil microarthropod community dynamics in extensive green roofs

Green roofs are of increasing interest to ecologists, engineers and architects, as cities grow and aim to become more sustainable. They could be exploited to improve urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, yet almost nothing is known about them from a soil community ecology perspective, despite how critical soil food webs are to ecosystem functioning. This paper provides the first comprehensive study incorporating the annual cycle of green roof soil microarthropods.Microarthropod communities were monitored over 14 months on two extensive green roofs. Abiotic factors, including substrate moisture, were recorded, as were biotic factors such as plant and mycorrhizal colonisation. Microarthropod interactions with these variables were then examined.Microarthropod diversity was low overall, with a few dominant species peaking seasonally. On occasion, total abundance was comparable to other early successional soils. The majority of species present were drought tolerant collembola and xerophillic mites, suggesting that moisture levels on green roofs are a major limiting factor for soil microarthropods.Our results suggest that the microarthropod community present in extensive green roof soils is impoverished, limiting the success of above-ground flora and fauna and ultimately the success of the roof as an urban habitat. We conclude that green roof building guidelines should incorporate soil communities in their design and should aim to be heterogeneous at the roof and landscape level, for the purpose of supporting soil biodiversity and creating sustainable habitats.

Spruce monoculture establishment affects functional traits of soil microarthropod communities

Structure and density of soil microarthropod communities (Oribatida and Collembola) were studied in one natural beech forest and one spruce monoculture planted on a former beech stand in South Bohemia (Czech Republic). The spruce monoculture establishment increased microarthropod densities (93,000 ind. m−2 in the natural beech forest vs. 400,540 ind. m−2 in the spruce monoculture for Oribatida; 66,360 ind. m−2 in the natural beech forest vs. 136,360 ind. m−2 in the spruce monoculture for Collembola); additionally, it changed greatly the community structure in terms of species composition and functional traits. In the spruce monoculture, groups susceptible to disturbance were suppressed. The oribatid trophic structure changed as well with opportunistic herbifungivorous species increasing in the monoculture at the expense of fungivorous species. Similarly, hemiedaphic collembolans increased in the monoculture at the expense of euedaphic species. We conclude that the “functional approach” seems to be fruitful in revealing soil fauna response to environmental change.

Soil microarthropod communities from Mediterranean forest ecosystems in Central Italy under different disturbances

The aim of this study is to assess soil quality in Mediterranean forests of Central Italy, from evergreen to deciduous, with different types of management (coppice vs. high forest vs. secondary old growth) and compaction impacts (machinery vs. recreational). Soil quality was evaluated studying soil microarthropod communities and applying a biological index (QBS-ar) based on the concept that the higher is the soil quality, the higher will be the number of microarthropod groups well adapted to the soil habitat. Our results confirm that hardwood soils are characterised by the highest biodiversity level among terrestrial communities and by a well-structured and mature microarthropod community, which is typical of stable ecosystems (QBS value, >200). While silvicultural practices and forest composition do not seem to influence QBS-ar values or microarthropod community structure, the index is very efficient in detecting soil impacts (soil compaction due to logging activities). Several taxa (Protura, Diplura, Coleoptera adults, Pauropoda, Diplopoda, Symphyla, Chilopoda, Diptera larvae and Opiliones) react negatively to soil compaction and degradation (QBS value, <150). In particular, Protura, Diplura, Symphyla and Pauropoda, are taxonomic groups linked to undisturbed soil. This index could also be a useful tool in monitoring soil biodiversity in protected areas and in urban forestry to prevent the negative effects of trampling. QBS-ar is a candidate index for biomonitoring of soil microarthropod biodiversity across the landscape to provide guidance for the sustainable management of renewable resource and nature conservation.

Effects of seasonal grazing, drought, fire, and carbon enrichment on soil microarthropods in a desert grassland

This study was designed to test hypotheses about the combined effects of short-term, seasonal grazing with seasonal drought, fire, and carbon enrichment on soil microarthropod communities in a Chihuahuan Desert grassland. The study was conducted in eighteen 0.5 ha plots following three consecutive years of treatment: six plots intensively grazed in summer, six in winter, and six not grazed. There was no difference in perennial grass cover on the summer-grazed and winter-grazed plots. Intensive seasonal grazing had no effect on the abundance and community composition of soil microarthropods. Within each plot there were six subplots: summer rain-out, winter rain-out, burned, glucose amendment, rain-out control and burn-glucose control. Fire and carbon enrichment had no significant effect on soil microarthropod abundance or community composition. The average number of microarthropods ranged from 8915 ± 1422 m−2 in the ungrazed, unburned plots to 7175 ± 1232 m−2 in the winter-grazed, unburned plots. Microarthropod densities in the glucose-amended plots were 8917 ± 4902 m−2 in the winter-grazed plots and 10,731 ± 863 m−2 in the glucose-amended, summer-grazed subplots.The prostigamatid mite, Tydeus sp., was the most abundant microarthropod taxon in all treatment plots.

Equivalence in the strength of deer herbivory on above and below ground communities

Herbivores exert a strong influence on the species composition and richness of plant communities, but the magnitude of their effect on belowground communities remains poorly understood. While an increasing number of studies acknowledge the importance of documenting belowground effects of herbivores, very few of these evaluate variation in the strength of the response from aboveground to belowground communities. Our study documents the long-term consequences of sustained deer herbivory for plant and arthropod communities adjacent to 15 exclosures that have been in place since 1996. We hypothesized that herbivory would alter the composition and diversity of communities, but the strength of the effects of herbivory would weaken from plants, to leaf-litter invertebrates, and to belowground microarthropod communities. First, we found that herbivory negatively impacted plant seedling and sapling abundance and performance, reduced the abundance of ants and the taxonomic richness of arthropods in the litter layer and reduced the richness of soil microarthropod communities. Second, in contrast to our hypothesis, the magnitude of effect size did not vary among trophic levels, indicating that effects of deer herbivory cascade from plants to the leaf-litter and soil arthropod communities with equal strength. While much recent research has focused on how specific traits of plants may mediate the effects of herbivory on associated species, our results suggest that indirect effects of herbivory might influence many components of belowground communities.

Climate change effects on soil microarthropod abundance and community structure

Long-term ecosystem responses to climate change strongly depend on how the soil subsystem and its inhabitants respond to these perturbations. Using open-top chambers, we studied the response of soil microarthropods to single and combined effects of ambient and elevated atmospheric [CO2], ambient and elevated temperatures and changes in precipitation in constructed old-fields in Tennessee, USA. Microarthropods were assessed five years after treatments were initiated and samples were collected in both November and June. Across treatments, mites and collembola were the most dominant microarthropod groups collected.We did not detect any treatment effects on microarthropod abundance. In November, but not in June, microarthropod richness, however, was affected by the climate change treatments. In November, total microarthropod richness was lower in dry than in wet treatments, and in ambient temperature treatments, richness was higher under elevated [CO2] than under ambient [CO2]. Differential responses of individual taxa to the climate change treatments resulted in shifts in community composition. In general, the precipitation and warming treatments explained most of the variation in community composition. Across treatments, we found that collembola abundance and richness were positively related to soil moisture content, and that negative relationships between collembola abundance and richness and soil temperature could be explained by temperature-related shifts in soil moisture content.Our data demonstrate how simultaneously acting climate change factors can affect the structure of soil microarthropod communities in old-field ecosystems. Overall, changes in soil moisture content, either as direct effect of changes in precipitation or as indirect effect of warming or elevated [CO2], had a larger impact on microarthropod communities than did the direct effects of the warming and elevated [CO2] treatments. Moisture-induced shifts in soil microarthropod abundance and community composition may have important impacts on ecosystem functions, such as decomposition, under future climatic change.

Faunalpedturbation effects on soil microarthropods in the Negev Desert

Soil microarthropod communities in seed-harvester ant-nest ( Messor spp.) soils and pits excavated by porcupines ( Hystrix indica) were examined on a hill-slope catena in the Negev Desert to test the hypothesis that animal-produced soil disturbances increase abundance and diversity of soil biota. There were significantly fewer arthropods and lower taxonomic diversity of soil microarthropods at the top and mid-slope locations, with no consistent patterns of abundance between cool-wet and hot-dry seasons. Some prostigmatids, cryptostigmatids, and other arthropods in ant-nest, porcupine-pit, and undisturbed soils were more abundant in wet than dry seasons at some locations but more abundant in the hot-dry season at other locations and sample sites. Seven prostigmatid mite families that were relatively abundant in undisturbed soils were absent or of low abundance in ant-nest modified and porcupine-pit soils at mid- and low-slope catena locations. The data result in rejection of the hypothesis. However, the significant effects of topographic position on the catena on soil microarthropod communities emphasize the importance of examining broad spatial patterns and temporal variation before making generalizations about the effects of ecological engineers on arid ecosystem structure and function.

Soil Microarthropod Community Structure of Corn Production Systems in Tabango, Leyte, Philippines

The soil microarthropod communities in different corn production systems were studied and compared in four farms in Barangay Omaganhan, Tabango, Leyte from April to August 2003. The aspects considered were relative abundance, species richness, species similarity, species diversity, species evenness, and species dominance. They were represented by 193 species, largely Acarina (&gt; 90%) and Collembola (8.4%). The most dominant mites in al I farms were Scheloribates fimbriatus ja vensis Willmann, Oppia kuehnelti Csiszar, and Lamel/obates hauseri Mahunka. The relatively poor community structure of mites and Collembola in the corn farms was influenced by the low organic matter (1.2-1.9%) and total N (0.12- 0.16%) levels and slightly basic pH (7.75-7.95) of soil. While high rainfall during typhoons caused drastic decline in mite populations, it did not appear to affect Collembola populations. The influence of soil moisture on microarthropods was not apparent. Frequent cultivation, use of chemical fertilizer, use of contour hedgerows, crop rotation, and intercropping appeared to influence microarthropod community trends. Corn farms in Tabango, Leyte were assessed as highly disturbed, but showed prospects for rehabilitation through soil improvement schemes. Recommendations for the improvement of existing farming practices, information dissemination of improved technologies, and future studies relevant to corn production in Leyte are provided.

Soil micro-arthropod communities and microbial parameters in the potato ridge under two field management systems on sandy loams in Atlantic Canada

Intensive forms of soil management occur in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production systems, but little is known about the influence of such practices on soil biological properties. Microbial biomass C, phosphatase activity, and the abundance (number), richness (family groups), and diversity of soil micro-arthropods (Collembola and mites) were compared in conventional and adjacent integrated pest management (IPM) systems of 3-yr potato rotations, established on fine sandy loams in Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Canada. The study was conducted at two sites over a 2-yr period. Soil microbial parameters were generally similar between management systems. Management differences showed some effect on micro-arthropod abundance and richness in three of the eight comparisons. Under optimum soil-water conditions, both Collembola and mite communities increased over the growing season regardless of management system. Key words: Soil management for potato, Collembola, mites, soil microbial biomass carbon, acid phosphatase, integrated pest management

Responses of springtail and mite populations to prolonged periods of soil freeze-thaw cycles in a sub-arctic ecosystem

The effect of temperature changes on soil communities is an important aspect when estimating the effects of a predicted climate change. The aim of this investigation was to increase knowledge on how freeze-thaw cycles alter the soil microarthropod community in the sub-arctic. The abundance of springtails and mites was investigated after three seasons of prolonged periods of freeze-thaw cycles in the field, and the presence or absence of migration barriers, at two different field sites. Dome shaped transparent plastic greenhouses were successfully used as a novel method to increase freeze-thaw cycle frequencies in the soil. At a fellfield site, freeze-thaw treatment did not lead to significant differences in the five main soil faunal groups, but increased abundance were seen in a number of separate taxa. There was no freeze-thaw treatment effect on soil microbial biomass or soil nutrients, although treatments interacted as inorganic N increased in the separate freeze-thaw and migration barrier treatments. By contrast, at a glade site responses were strong due to more pronounced increases in the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The highest numbers of Collembola after 2 years of treatment were found in the freeze-thaw plots, in combination with migration barriers. The freeze-thaw treatment here also resulted in more Oribatida, microbial biomass C and dissolved organic C. A common hypothesis is that an increased number of freeze-thaw cycles would result in elevated winter mortality in microarthropods due to increased risk of inoculative freezing. However, we observed no increased mortality due to freeze-thaw events. Rather, there was a stimulation of soil microarthropods and microbial biomass, perhaps due to a prolonged period of microbial and faunal activity when the soil is repeatedly frozen and thawed compared to a constantly frozen soil.

Exploring the natural and human-induced effects on the assemblage of soil microarthropod communities in Argentina

In order to determine the independent and joint effects of: (1) crop management; (2) soil condition; and (3) site location on soil biota assemblage, we examined the effects of several crop management and soil condition descriptors on the abundance and diversity of soil microarthropods in crop fields. Data were analyzed using linear regression, canonical correspondence analysis and variance partitioning. Our results indicated that: (1) soil mites was the most affected group by crop management; (2) most of the variance on microarthropod abundance remained unexplained as none of the descriptors were able to explain more than 10% of total species matrix variance; (3) tillage intensity resulted in higher variance explained of the species matrix than pesticide use or crop rotation; (4) soil carbon was the most influential factor among soil condition descriptors; and (5) a significant component of species variation was accounted for by the spatially structured fraction of the explanatory descriptors and other underlying spatial processes. Following the methods proposed in this work, further studies based on the obtained results may increase their power to detect agriculturally induced effects on soil biota by including more soil fauna groups and more controlled environmental factors or by improving the description of the local scale spatial heterogeneity.