Litter quality drives the shift of soil fauna structure without changing its ecological function

Background and aims Invasive plant species represent significant threats to ecosystems globally, disrupting native habitats and adversely affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. This study focused on the impact of bamboo invasion, specifically the spread of moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis ), on soil fauna communities in subtropical forests. Methods Using litter reciprocal transplant experiments between uninvaded broadleaf forests and invaded bamboo forests, we investigated how alterations in litter quality influenced soil fauna diversity and community composition. Results Reciprocal litter transplants primarily affected soil fauna community composition through species replacement without changing their diversity or ecological function. Notably, bamboo litter, which is considered high quality, had a more pronounced impact on soil fauna communities in low-quality litter environments but not vice versa. Conclusion These findings highlight the intricate relationship between litter quality, soil fauna communities, and ecosystem stability in the context of plant invasion. Understanding these dynamics provides valuable insights for ecosystem management strategies in the face of invasive plant species.