Abundance, biomass and community composition of soil saprophagous macrofauna in conventional and organic sugarcane fields

Tropical island saprophagous invertebrates have received little attention despite their important role in sustaining soil fertility. Soil biodiversity the agroecosystems of Lesser Antilles is subject to various anthropic and environmental perturbations; therefore, it crucial promote agricultural practices that help preserve it. Here, we investigate effect conversion organic farming sugarcane production on a Martinique plantation (Lesser Antilles). The abundance, biomass diversity communities were measured three fields undergoing two control under conventional production. Invertebrates sampled both by pitfall trapping Tullgren extraction. results indicated abundance was significantly higher (342 ± 78 ind.m?2) compared (146 34 ind.m?2). response whole community's not significant, reflecting contrasting each invertebrate taxa: isopod most impacted, earthworm moderately impacted diplopod affected. A total 25 morphospecies for all taxa distinguished this study. However, did differ community composition remained similar practices. could be either due direct toxicity herbicides intensively used cultivation or indirect effects modifying micro-habitat parameters (weed biomass, amount mulch litter humidity). In conclusion, study shows has beneficial even after short period (between one years), which promising restoring biological processes context agroecological transition.