Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 99-108 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 104 aboveground litter removal decreased soil microbial biomass and altered the fungi-to-bacteria ratio, highlighting the importance of leaf litter in maintaining microbial balance and soil health in forest ecosystems (Jing et al., 2021). 6.4 Best practices for leaf litter management in mixed forests Effective leaf litter management in mixed forests involves maintaining a balance between litter diversity and quality to support soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling. Studies have shown that mixed-species leaf litter can lead to non-additive effects on soil microbial activity, suggesting that the combination of different litter types can provide complementary resources for microorganisms (Joly et al., 2016). In subtropical forests, higher litter species diversity was associated with increased microbial biomass and enzyme activity, indicating that diverse litter inputs can enhance soil health and ecosystem functions (Pei et al., 2017). Therefore, promoting mixed-species forests and managing leaf litter to ensure a variety of litter types can be beneficial for maintaining soil fertility and microbial diversity. 7 Management Practices for Enhancing Leaf Litter Benefits 7.1 Sustainable forest management practices Sustainable forest management practices are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and enhancing the benefits of leaf litter in forest ecosystems. One of the key practices involves the strategic management of both aboveground and belowground litter inputs. Research indicates that root litter inputs exert a larger control on microbial biomass than aboveground litter inputs, suggesting that forest management should consider the balance between these two types of litter to optimize soil microbial communities and carbon stability (Jing et al., 2021). Additionally, the decomposition of leaf litter and deadwood plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil fertility, with fungi being major contributors due to their enzymatic capabilities (Bani et al., 2018). Therefore, promoting the growth of diverse fungal communities through sustainable practices can enhance the decomposition process and improve soil health. Another important aspect is the management of litter diversity and identity. Studies have shown that leaf litter identity significantly influences microbial functions and microarthropod abundance, with high-quality species (low C-to-N ratio) improving resource quality and microbial activity (Sánchez-Galindo et al., 2021). This highlights the importance of maintaining a diverse range of tree species in forests to ensure a balanced and effective decomposition process. Moreover, the use of mixed litters, such as coniferous and broadleaf combinations, has been found to increase the carbon metabolic function of soil microbial communities, further supporting the need for diverse litter inputs (Naimei, 2011). 7.2 Leaf litter management in forestry and agriculture In forestry and agriculture, effective leaf litter management can significantly enhance soil fertility and microbial diversity. One approach is the use of vermicomposting, which involves the recycling of nutrients from leaf litter waste using earthworms like Eisenia fetida. This method has been shown to improve soil physicochemical properties and increase microbial populations, making it a valuable practice for sustainable soil fertility management (Suthar and Gairola, 2014). Additionally, the incorporation of different leaf litters into soil can alter soil properties and enhance microbial community functions. For instance, the addition of leaf litters from various tree species to Panax ginseng-growing soil significantly affected soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, as well as microbial biomass (Sun et al., 2017). Furthermore, the use of leaf litter extraction fluids from dominant tree species can enhance the metabolic capacity and functional diversity of soil microbes, contributing to forest succession and soil quality improvement (Liang et al., 2015). This practice can be particularly useful in abandoned lands or areas undergoing reforestation, where enhancing soil microbial activity is crucial for ecosystem recovery. 8 Challenges and Future Directions 8.1 Challenges in studying leaf litter decomposition and its effects Studying leaf litter decomposition in forest ecosystems presents several challenges. One significant challenge is the complexity of interactions between microbial communities and environmental variables such as temperature
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