Soil fauna precipitate the convergence of organic matter quality during decomposition

Plant litter constitutes the dominant resource to soil food webs, which gradually decompose and transform it into organic matter. A central paradigm of this transformation posits that differences in quality between distinct types disappear during decomposition, as converge towards similar physicochemical characteristics. Yet, is debated not based on clear metrics. It also largely derived from microbial decomposition studies, while effect litter-feeding animals, by transforming large quantities faeces, remains poorly documented. We addressed knowledge gap quantifying variability characteristics amongst leaf six tree species contrasting quality, before after conversion faeces animal species. found diverse animals reduced physical chemical types. evaluated consequences animal-driven convergence further microbial-driven decomposing intact comparing decomposed materials. Chemical uningested converged at rates. This indicates animal- are additive, precipitate matter decomposition. propose here a new framework an associated metric study changes we argue essential for improved understanding modelling formation.