Organic viticulture and soil quality: A long-term study in Southern France

► Soil indicators significantly discriminate conventional and organic vineyards. ► Soil indicators exhibit transition stage of 7-11 years after organic conversion. ► Soil organic matter and biological activities increase with organic viticulture. ► Length and complexity of the soil micro-food web do not evolve in organic plots. ► Ploughing disturbs biological functioning and more specially earthworms.