Arthropod biodiversity in apple orchards: the influence of hedgerows and landscape heterogeneity on community structure and ecosystem services in Medea (Algeria)

This study investigates the role of hedgerows and landscape heterogeneity in supporting arthropod biodiversity within apple orchards in the Médéa region of Algeria. Comparing two contrasting orchard systems—one extensive with structural elements (Si El Mahdjoub) and one intensive without (Benchicao)—arthropod communities were sampled over a full annual cycle using pitfall traps, colored sticky traps, and sweep netting. A total of 251 arthropod taxa were recorded across both sites. Si El Mahdjoub