Abstract
Protists affect soil microbiome composition and functioning, potentially increasing litter decomposition and plant growth. Yet, the role of different protist species, individually or in combinations, in regulating microbial-mediated litter decomposition remains unknown, as well as if these interactions feedback to plant growth. Using a full-factorial design of three protist species combinations with bacterial and fungal communities, we found that only one protist species reduced litter decomposition by 19%, with other species and combinations not affecting litter decomposition. Despite a positive correlation between plant growth and litter decomposition, we did not observe protist-induced changes in plant growth. Overall, our results highlight that protists affect litter decomposition in a species-specific manner, including reducing litter decomposition.
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