Influences of conservation tillage on soil macrofaunal biodiversity and trophic structure in the Mollisol region of Northeast China

Tillage regimes directly impact soil disturbance and crop residue levels in the field, subsequently affecting soil macrofauna abundance and diversity, crucial for maintaining soil health and ecosystem functionality. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different tillage regimes (no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT) and reduced-tillage (RT)) on soil properties and macrofaunal communities in a typical black soil region of Northeast China. Our study revealed that, in comparison to CT and RT, NT significantly enhanced soil macrofauna biodiversity and brought about modification in the community composition. Additionally, it reduced changes in the soil physical–chemical properties. Furthermore, the choice of tillage regimes impacted the trophic structure of soil macrofauna, manifesting in great density and species richness of herbivores and predators in NT plots with crop residue retention when compared to those managed with tillage. Overall, soil organic carbon (SOC) and pH played pivotal roles in regulating the soil macrofaunal community. The alternations observed in the soil macrofaunal community represented a comprehensive response to tillage practices and residue return, which in turn influenced soil properties and microenvironments, including food resources and microhabitats. Therefore, our findings indicated that conservation tillage exerted a notable influence on the soil macrofaunal community. This underscores the significance of soil environments and properties in molding the structure and composition of the soil macrofaunal community. The study will enhance comprehension of soil management practices and advocate for diversity within soil macrofaunal communities.