Leaf size and defensive traits found to modulate effects of soil fauna on litter decomposition

Leaf litter, as a multifunctional legacy of plants, plays an essential role in driving biogeochemical cycles, while providing important habitat and food resources for soil organisms. Litter traits and soil fauna play a crucial role in determining litter decomposition. However, the extent to which soil fauna contributed to litter decomposability is still unknown. Neither do the leaf size and defensive traits when compared to economic traits.