Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 99-108 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 99 Review Article Open Access The Role of Leaf Litter in Forest Soil Fertility and Microbial Diversity Kaiwen Liang Agri-Products Application Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resouces, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: kaiwen.liang@hitar.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0011 Received: 13 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 18 Apr., 2024 Published: 07 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liang K.W., 2024, The role of leaf litter in forest soil fertility and microbial diversity, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(3): 99-108 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0011) Abstract Leaf litter plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by contributing to soil fertility and enhancing microbial diversity. This study examines the multifaceted impact of leaf litter on forest soil fertility and microbial communities. The decomposition of leaf litter, primarily driven by microbial activity, is essential for nutrient cycling and maintaining soil health. Fungi and bacteria are the primary decomposers, with fungi often being the dominant agents due to their enzymatic capabilities and substrate accessibility. The diversity and composition of leaf litter significantly influence microbial activity and nutrient cycling, with mixed-species litter often promoting higher microbial diversity and decomposition rates compared to monocultures. Environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil pH also play critical roles in shaping microbial communities and their functions. Additionally, the identity and quality of leaf litter, including its chemical composition, affect microbial biomass and the abundance of soil organisms. This study highlights the complex interactions between leaf litter, microbial communities, and environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining litter diversity for ecosystem health and resilience. Keywords Leaf litter; Soil fertility; Microbial diversity; Nutrient cycling; Decomposition 1 Introduction Forest ecosystems are among the most productive and complex biomes on Earth, playing a crucial role in global carbon cycling and serving as significant carbon sinks (Baldrian, 2016; Lladó et al., 2017). These ecosystems are characterized by a high level of spatial heterogeneity and dynamic processes that range from short-term events to long-term ecological developments. The primary producers in these ecosystems, mainly trees, contribute to the structure and functioning of forests by providing habitats and resources for a diverse array of organisms, including fungi, bacteria, and archaea (Baldrian, 2016). The intricate interactions among these organisms and their environment are essential for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience, particularly in the face of global changes such as climate warming and increased carbon dioxide levels (Lladó et al., 2017). Leaf litter, the layer of fallen leaves and other organic material on the forest floor, is a critical component of forest ecosystems. It plays a dual role in nutrient and carbon cycling and in regulating microclimatic conditions (Sayer, 2005). The decomposition of leaf litter is a key process in biogeochemical cycles, driven primarily by microbial communities, including fungi and bacteria (Baldrian, 2017; Bani et al., 2018). Fungi are particularly important due to their ability to produce specific enzymes that break down complex plant biomass, while bacteria contribute significantly to the decomposition of fungal mycelia and nitrogen cycling processes (Baldrian, 2017). The quality and quantity of leaf litter can influence microbial community composition and activity, thereby affecting soil fertility and ecosystem functioning (Bani et al., 2018; Feng et al., 2022). This study aims to synthesize current knowledge on the role of leaf litter in forest soil fertility and microbial diversity. Specifically, it will examine the processes of leaf litter decomposition and its impact on nutrient cycling and soil organic carbon pools. Explore the interactions between leaf litter and microbial communities, including the effects of litter diversity on microbial activity and community structure. Assess the influence of environmental factors, such as climate and soil properties, on the decomposition process and microbial dynamics. And identify gaps in the current understanding and suggest directions for future research to enhance our knowledge of leaf litter's role in forest ecosystems. By integrating findings from various studies, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how leaf litter contributes to forest soil fertility and microbial diversity, highlighting its importance in maintaining ecosystem health and resilience.
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