Résumé
Soil mites play pivotal roles in agro-systems, providing ecosystem services. Many species can prey on invertebrates, contributing for their regulation. However, agricultural intensification threats soil biodiversity and associated services. This study aims to characterize the abundance of soil predatory mites (Mesostigmata and Prostigmata) in Mediterranean vineyards (Hérault) under different management practices, vegetation covers, with different levels of soil aggregate stability (based on mean-weight diameter). Soil samples were taken in autumn 2023 from 30 plots (0-5 cm soil layer) across different agroecological systems (conventional vs organic, vegetation cover vs bare soil) and from garrigue vegetation. Arthropods were extracted using a modified Berlese-Tullgren funnel, and the mites were counted and identified. In total, 1,592 Mesostigmata and 723 Prostigmata were collected. The abundance of predators was analysed by fitting Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) with Negative Binomial distribution. Mesostigmata abundances did not differ significantly across all studied systems. This could contribute to the maintenance of regulation services regardless of the agriculture practices. Differently, the abundance of Prostigmata was higher in garrigue (mean of 7.03) compared to vineyards (organic: 1.70,conventional: 1.42). While organic vs. conventional management did not differ significantly, permanent cover crops yieldedabundances that did not differ from the garrigue, while bare soil had the lowest. Additionally, higher soil stability was positively correlated with Prostigmata abundances. Agroecological practices favoring natural vegetation might benefit predatory Prostigmata communities, potentially enhancing vineyard regulation services. The completion of the analysis at a lower-level taxonomic identification will allow for a better comprehension of these communities.