Plant litter inputs from leaf and root are the most important sources of organic carbon (C) and nutrients for soil organisms, yet it is still unclear how leaf and root litter contributing to soil microbial biomass and community structure in natural ecosystems. Here we compiled 68 paired observations to assess the effects of different types of litter input (addition and removal) on soil fauna density and microbial biomass (quantified by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), including total, fungal and bacterial (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative) in forests and grasslands. We found that litter addition had no significant effect on soil fauna density but significantly increased total, fungal and bacterial PLFAs by 13.02%, 14.45%, 9.76%, respectively. However, litter removal significantly decreased fauna density by 16.57% but had no significant effect on PLFAs, with greater effect for root litter than leaf litter removal. The effects of litter manipulation on soil fauna density, and total fungal and Gram-negative bacterial PLFAs were negatively correlated with soil C/N ratio. These results suggest that soil microbial community is more sensitive to C source addition than soil fauna, particularly in soils with low C/N ratios. Root litter has a more positive effect in increasing soil fungal taxa than leaf litter, while leaf litter is more conducive to bacterial taxa. This study not only reveals the contribution of leaf and root litter to soil microbial community structure, but also helps to predict the impact of changes in litter quantity and quality on soil organisms under the scenario of climate change.
 

Detrital input and removal treatment,soil fauna,microorganism,fungi,bacteria,terrestrial ecosystems