Mesofauna as effective indicators of soil quality differences in the agricultural systems of central Cuba

Soil mesofauna play an essential role in soil functioning. However, studies on the impact of agricultural management quality, overall abundance and specific groups thereof has not been widely used as indicator developing countries. Here, we a quality compared to more traditional chemical, physical, microbial indicators, comparison three diverse systems Central Cuba: state (CSt), conventional private (CPr), organic (OPr) farms. We sampled top 20 cm 30 fields from 12 farms 1 natural reference site (NR) analysed number parameters well (Acari Collembola, further subdivided into Mesostigmata–Prostigmata–Oribatida–Astigmata Isotomidae–Entomobryidae, respectively). Differences properties between were observed (especially multivariate analysis), but no significant differences systems, probably due lack carbon (SOC) content. The differed strongly NR two practices (CSt CPr), both total numbers group for most rainy dry seasons, whereas there almost OPr. Principal component analysis based clearly distinguished all farming OPr CSt CPr. mainly attributed use synthetic pesticides. conclude that this context, without clear SOC content fields, is superior indicator. Our results indicate simple counts are useful irrespective sampling period (dry or wet season).