Microarthropod abundance data of a drought experiment comparing organic and conventional farming

In Central Europe summer droughts are increasing in frequency which threatens production and biodiversity in agroecosystems. The potential of different farming systems to mitigate detrimental drought effects on soil animals is largely unknown. We investigated the effects of simulated drought on the abundance and community composition of soil microarthropods (Collembola, Oribatida, Meso­‑, Pro‑ and Astigmata) in winter wheat fields under long-term conventional and organic farming in the DOK trial, Switzerland. We simulated drought by excluding 65% of the ambient precipitation during the wheat growing season from March to June 2017. The abundance of Collembola and Oribatida declined more consistently in conventionally compared to organically managed fields under simulated drought. The abundance of Collembola as well as Meso‑, Pro‑ and Astigmata, but not the abundance of Oribatida, increased in deeper soil layers due to simulated drought, suggesting vertical migration as drought avoidance ...