Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 193-204 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 197 6 Decomposers and Detritivores 6.1 Types of decomposers in desert environments Desert ecosystems, despite their harsh conditions, host a variety of decomposers and detritivores that play crucial roles in nutrient cycling. Key decomposers include bacteria and fungi, which are adapted to survive extreme temperatures, low water availability, and nutrient-poor soils (Alsharif et al., 2020; Leung et al., 2020; Quoreshi et al., 2022). Additionally, macro-arthropods such as isopods and other burrowing detritivores are prevalent in these environments. These organisms remain active during dry periods and contribute significantly to the breakdown of organic matter (Sagi et al., 2019; Sagi and Hawlena, 2021). 6.2 Breakdown of organic matter The breakdown of organic matter in desert ecosystems is a complex process influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. Microbial decomposers, including bacteria and fungi, initiate the decomposition process by breaking down plant litter and other organic materials into simpler compounds (Alsharif et al., 2020; Leung et al., 2020). Macro-arthropods, such as isopods, further process this material by transporting it belowground, where conditions are more favorable for microbial activity. This vertical nutrient recycling loop accelerates the mineralization of plant litter nutrients, making them available for plant uptake even when the surface soil is dry (Sagi et al., 2019; Sagi and Hawlena, 2021). 6.3 Contribution to soil fertility and ecosystem health Decomposers and detritivores are essential for maintaining soil fertility and overall ecosystem health in desert environments. By breaking down organic matter, these organisms release essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil, which are critical for plant growth (Mougi, 2020; Quoreshi et al., 2022). The activity of burrowing detritivores, in particular, creates hotspots of productivity and biological diversity by altering soil microtopography and reducing soil salinity (Sagi et al., 2019; Sagi and Hawlena, 2021) (Figure 2). This enhanced nutrient availability supports plant diversity and productivity, which in turn stabilizes the ecosystem and helps combat desertification (Mougi, 2020; Sagi and Hawlena, 2021). Understanding the roles of these organisms is crucial for developing strategies to restore and sustain arid ecosystems in the face of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures (Leung et al., 2020; Quoreshi et al., 2022). Figure 2 Pathways by which arthropods affect desert nutrient dynamics: arthropods transport nutrients between macrophytic patches and microphytic matrix, import nutrients from more productive neighboring ecosystems, and create soil disturbances that accumulate water and nutrients and provide favorable abiotic conditions for primary producers. Arthropods hosting diazotrophic bacteria in their gut can fix atmospheric N, resulting in soil N enrichment and enhanced N cycling (Adopted from Sagi and Hawlena, 2021)
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