Bryosphere Loss Impairs Litter Decomposition Consistently Across Moss Species, Litter Types, and Micro-Arthropod Abundance

Abstract The bryosphere (that is, ground mosses and their associated biota) is a key driver of nutrient carbon dynamics in many terrestrial ecosystems, part because it regulates litter decomposition. However, we have poor understanding how decomposition responds to changes the bryosphere, including cover, moss species, bryosphere-associated biota. Specifically, contribution micro-arthropods unclear. Here, used 16-month litterbag field experiment two boreal forests investigate effects on rates among species ( Pleurozium schreberi Hylocomium splendens ), types (higher-quality Betula pendula lower-quality P. litter). Additionally, counted all litterbags identified them functional groups. We found that removal reduced by 28% micro-arthropod abundance 29% led colder micro-climate. Litter were uncorrelated overall, but positively correlated B. litterbags. Bryosphere consistent across types, abundances community compositions. These findings suggest play minor role forest floor, suggesting other factors (for example, micro-climate, availability) likely drive positive effect rates. Our results point substantial impairment response loss which could important implications for cycling moss-dominated ecosystems.