ParisTech

Developing cropping systems that promote soil biodiversity is crucial to guarantee sustainable production in the face of global changes. However, effects of alternative systems on soil organisms remain largely unknown. For two consecutive years, soil microorganisms, mesofauna and macrofauna were collected in 21 fields under conventional, organic or conservation agriculture, either long-established or transitioning, ranging in tillage intensity, pesticide treatment intensity and organic inputs. Effect sizes were calculated to compare taxa density or diversity between alternative and conventional systems, and between transitioning and long-established systems. Piecewise structural equation modeling was conducted to assess relations between practices and soil trophic groups. Long-established conservation systems had positive effects on various taxa densities (Collembola, Coleoptera larvae, Gastropoda) and earthworm biomass, but negative effects on fungal richness. Recent conservation systems had positive effects on Coleoptera larvae density, earthworm density and biomass, and negative effects on fungal abundance (10–20 cm depth). Recent organic systems benefited earthworm density and biomass, and fungal diversity. Transitions from conservation to organic decreased Araneae density and influenced microbial and Collembola diversity. Conservation, and to a lesser extent organic systems, had overall positive effects on soil organism density. Tillage intensity showed the strongest negative effect on soil organisms with cascading effects through the soil food web, while organic matter inputs promoted bacteria and macrofauna detritivore densities. Mesofauna detritivores played a central role in studied soil food webs. Overall, conservation and organic agriculture benefit different taxa, and reduced tillage could offer the greatest benefits by promoting soil taxa and their interactions. • Cropping system and practice intensity effects on soil organisms and interactions. • Conservation and organic systems, even in transition, benefited different soil taxa. • Conservation and organic systems had a positive overall effect on soil organisms. • Tillage intensity has a strong negative effect on soil organisms and soil food web. • Mesofauna detritivores play a central role in agroecosystem soil food webs.

Trait-based approaches are key to understanding eco-evolutionary processes but rarely account for animal behaviour despite its central role in ecosystem dynamics. We propose integrating behaviour into trait-based ecology through movement traits-standardised and comparable measures of animal movement derived from biologging data, such as daily displacements or range sizes. Accounting for animal behaviour will advance trait-based research on species interactions, community structure and ecosystem functioning. Importantly, movement traits allow for quantification of behavioural reaction norms, offering insights into species' acclimation and adaptive capacity to environmental change. We outline a vision for a 'living' global movement trait database that enhances trait data curation by (1) continuously growing alongside shared biologging data, (2) calculating traits directly from individual-level data using standardised, consistent methodology and (3) providing information on multi-level (species, individual, within-individual) trait variation. We present a proof-of-concept 'MoveTraits' database with 52 mammal and 97 bird species, demonstrating calculation workflows for 5 traits across multiple timescales. Movement traits have significant potential to improve trait-based global change predictions and contribute to global biodiversity assessments as Essential Biodiversity Variables. By making animal movement data more accessible and interpretable, this database could bridge the gap between movement ecology and biodiversity policy, facilitating evidence-based conservation.