Topic: The effect of plant diversification in vineyards during agroecological transition on predatory mite communities
Dates: 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026
CBGP managers: D. Navia & T. Do Prado
ProjectSOMYCAD : The effect of mycorrhization on mite abundance and biodiversity and on organic carbon storage in the soil

The aim of the project is to help address this knowledge gap regarding the assessment of the impact of plant mycorrhization on soil mite diversity and organic carbon storage. It hypothesises that high levels of mycorrhization promote mite diversity and the associated storage of soil organic carbon. To test this hypothesis, field assessments will be carried out in conventional and diversified vineyards with contrasting levels of mycorrhization in the Occitanie region, as well as in mesocosms in which plant mycorrhization will be stimulated under controlled conditions.

Action 1. Assessment of the relationship between mycorrhization in diversified agroecosystems, soil mite communities and the persistence of soil organic carbon.

Step 1.1. Field sampling (CBGP, September–November 2025)
Step 1.2. Mesofauna extraction and assessment of mite communities (CBGP, October 2025–July 2026)
Step 1.3. Soil analysis – elemental and microbial (CMI, October 2025–January 2026)
Step 1.4. Collection and isolation of oribatid mites for mesocosm trials (CBGP, October–December 2025)
Step 1.5. Collection of oribatid mites and their faecal matter for carbon content analysis (collection by CBGP October 2025–May 2026; analysis by CMI, May–June 2026)

Action 2. Assessment of the impact of rhizosphere microbial stimulators and mycorrhization on Oribidae mite communities and carbon use efficiency

Step 1. Mesocosm experiments (CMI, September 2025–June 2026)
Step 2. Analysis of soil elements (C/N/P), microbial diversity, and CUE estimation (CMI, June–August 2026)
Step 3. Analysis of Oribatida mite communities (CBGP, June–August 2026)