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The influence of petroleum-based microplastics (MPs) on phytoplankton has been extensively studied, while research on the impact of biodegradable MPs, derived from alternative plastics to contest the environmental crisis, remains limited. This study performed a 63 days co-incubation experiment to assess the effect of polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) on the growth, physiology, and carbon utilization of M. aeruginosa and the change in PLA-MPs surface properties. The results showed that despite PLA-MPs induced oxidative stress and caused membrane damage in M. aeruginosa , the presence of PLA-MPs (10, 50, and 200 mg/L) triggered significant increases (p < 0.05) in the density of M. aeruginosa after 63 days. Specifically, the algal densities upon 50 and 200 mg/L PLA-MPs exposure were increased by 20.91% and 36.31% relative to the control, respectively. Meanhwhile, the reduced C/O ratio on PLA-MPs surface and change in PLA-MPs morphological characterization, which is responsible for substantially increase in the aquatic dissolved inorganic carbon concentration during the co-incubation, implying the degradation of PLA-MPs; thus, provided sufficient carbon resources that M. aeruginosa could assimilate. This was in line with the declined intracellular carbonic anhydrase content in M. aeruginosa. This study is the first attempt to uncover the interaction between PLA-MPs and M. aeruginosa , and the finding that their interaction promotes the degrading of PLA-MPs meanwhile favoring M. aeruginosa growth will help elucidate the potential risk of biodegradable MPs in aquatic environment. [Display omitted] • PLA-MPs substantially promoted the growth of M. aeruginosa • PLA-MPs did not promote the toxin production of M. aeruginosa • PLA-MPs degradation were triggered in the co-incubation experiment • Degradation of PLA-MPs reduced carbonic anhydrase content in M. aeruginosa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf area index (LAI) is an essential biophysical variable of trees and a crucial factor affecting the urban environment. Previous studies on LAI measurements mainly focused on continuous forests, which using the cosine of the observed zenith angle for path length correction is incompatible with individual trees, although individual trees are more common in urban areas. Therefore, we modified the Beer-Lambert law for individual trees and developed a new path length correction factor that considers crown shape and actual path length in this study. Based on the new path length correction factor, we proposed a systematic single-tree LAI estimation method using digital cover photography. Comparisons with measurements showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) are 0.35 and 0.97, respectively. A Python scripted module was compiled to support automated processing of this method. Furthermore, we modeled single-tree crown transmissivity based on the new path length correction factor and provided a simple formula to calculate the transmissivity of the spherical crown using some common assumptions. This study offers a theoretical basis for measuring LAI and calculating the crown transmissivity of individual trees. • The Beer-Lambert law is modified for application to individual trees. • The new path length correction factor considers crown shape and path length. • A single-tree LAI estimation method is established by digital cover photography. • A simple formula for the crown transmissivity of the spherical crown is modeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human preferences for the species in urban greening have greatly facilitated the spread of non-native species, resulting in the homogenization of urban plant communities across spatial scales. We selected 11 major cities along the Yangtze River in China and examined the species composition in their urban plant communities. We found that China’s urban plant communities are becoming homogenized, as urban communities of different cities are highly similar to each other despite the geographical separation. Meanwhile, these artificial communities we investigated have diverged greatly from the natural communities at both the city and the geographic scale. We recorded a total of 91 woody species that have been used in urban greening in all 11 cities. Of those species, 27% were cultivars and introduced species, and 25% were being used outside of their native distribution ranges in China. This may be explained by the market and urban planners who tend to favor greening plants that are highly profitable and have aesthetic ornamental traits, rather than spending time introducing and acclimatizing the native species in each city. Given the current trend of homogenization, measures that recognize the importance of native species should be emphasized with comprehensive urban planning strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the existence of global Pleistocene refugia, the relict and ancient component of the modern endemic flora is considerable in South-Central China. Study of these relict species helps to understand past and recent ecological processes affecting species persistence, and also provides knowledge to guide human-assisted management and conservation practice. In this study, we investigated the current status of the remnant populations of Cathaya argyrophylla , one of the emblematic “living fossils”, growing in the Dalou Mountains of South-Central China. We quantified the population structure of C . argyrophylla and investigated demographic changes of seedlings over a ten year period to learn the plant’s regeneration patterns following the establishment of two national and provincial nature reserves in late 1970s. Notable “gaps” in age structure over 40 years were found, suggesting significant recruitment failures in these scattered population since the establishment of the nature reserves. Further, the number of dead individuals peaked at ages between 40 and 80 years and the seedlings showed high mortality in the past 10 years, probably due to intensified competition from the nearby broad-leaved trees and the reduction of suitable micro-habitats. These facts indicated that attention needs to be paid and follow-up measures should be taken to more effectively conserve C . argyrophylla in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We verified 5 wild distributions of Pseudolarix amabilis along Yangtze River, China. • P. amabilis was more endangered than previously identified. • Transition from seedling to sapling was the bottleneck in P. amabilis life history. • Village fengshui forests was conducive to the conservation of P. amabilis. Potential suitable habitats for relict species are facing critical reductions due to intensified anthropogenic disturbances and climate change. These facts not only pose new challenges, but also call for a paradigm shift for the effective conservation of relict plant species. We investigated in situ population structures and regeneration status under varying management scenarios for Pseudolarix amabilis , a relict conifer endemic to China. We also re-evaluated the conservation status of P. amabilis using our latest in situ population census data. We found that the conservation status of P. amabilis is more pessimistic than expected. Hence, wild P. amabilis populations urgently need to be considered for conservation. More concretely, intensive and frequent anthropogenic disturbances reduce population recruitment, but a reduced population recruitment also occurs at places where human activities have been strictly prohibited. Comparing with other management scenarios, the populations in fengshui forests showed good regeneration, since the moderate anthropogenic disturbances in these forests. Therefore, fengshui forests can serve as a conservation paradigm of P. amabilis since they echo the optimum regime where anthropogenic disturbances occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The relict dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng is endemic to the region bordering Hubei and Hunan provinces and Chongqing municipality in south-central China. It is critically endangered. We investigated its population size and age structure, and provided a comparison to the study of , documenting the changes of the past 60years. Our study included all the known wild individuals of the species as well as analyses of the floristic diversity of their habitats. In the last 41years, habitat changes have effectively ended recruitment of M. glyptostroboides and have reduced species richness in direct response to human disturbance, as shown on several indices. The remaining specimens ranged from roughly 41 to some 265years for an average near 95years, with heights of 12–51m averaging 27m. The detrimental activities of human residents include cultivation of profitable plants in the understory, selective cutting, harvesting of wood for fuel, and thoroughgoing collection of seeds for sale on the active market. Under present environmental conditions and land use, the dawn redwood will not maintain its natural range in south-central China. Our work detailing the plant populations in the habitats of this living fossil will be useful in establishing priorities for its recovery and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal effect on visitors' distribution was investigated. • Neutral PET was 28.45℃ with a comfortable range of 23.38∼33.52℃ in Chongqing. • Spaces providing long-stay and high-intensity activities, performed high thermal impact. • Thermal conditions more greatly affect distribution of the elderly and females. The thermal environment is an important factor affecting human behavior, and the response of visitors to thermal conditions can be used in the effective design of open spaces. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the spatial-temporal distribution of visitors and thermal conditions in hot summer and cold winter regions. ENVI-met was used to reproduce the actual thermal environment, and visualization was achieved by ArcGIS. The number of visitor locations was recorded with their demographics, including gender (male and female) and age group (the elderly, adult and child), coupled with the simulated physiological equivalent temperature (PET) were investigated for six local solar times (LSTs) and open spaces in Chongqing, China. The results indicate that: (1) The neutral PET was 28.45℃ with a comfort range of 23.38∼33.52℃ in Chongqing. (2) The distribution of visitors was significantly affected by PET during the daytime (R2=0.89) and the effect was quite different during various LSTs. The exponential correlation was weaker when the PET was higher, with a narrow range (at 14:00 LST). (3) Thermal conditions can greatly affect the distribution of visitors in spaces providing visitors with long stay and high intensity activities. (4) The distributions of females (R2=0.76) and the elderly (R2=0.65) were more sensitive to thermal changes than were males and other groups. These results should help landscape designers to better understand the relationship between the thermal environment and the behavior of visitors and provide reference for efficiently adaptive designs in urban parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Landscape plants in China's major cities mainly originated from tropical and temperate regions. • The climatic niche breadths of domestic landscape plant species were wider than those of alien landscape plant species. • Arid cities with more acute environmental stresses included more species originated from mismatched climate zones. • The climatic sustainability of landscape plants responding to climate change varied by climate zones. Cities have become the main abodes for people, and landscape plants with their notable influence on quality of life, are important components of the urban ecosystem. The need to explore the climatic suitability and sustainability of landscape plants is especially relevant due to globalization and climate change. Nevertheless, this research area is constrained by the limited understanding of the biogeographical origin of landscape plants. We have compiled data on species lists, taxonomic information, and geographical and climatic origins for woody landscape plants in 36 major cities across China. We used climatic niche breadth (CNB) and climatic mismatched ratio (CMR) to assess the climatic suitability and sustainability of landscape plants. We found that 412 alien species had several hotspots of origin, mainly tropical regions in the Americas, Asia, and Australia. The 1258 domestic species mainly originated from temperate southern China. Tropical species had a conspicuous geographical clustering in coastal cities of southern China, while the temperate species were abundant in all cities. The CNBs of domestic species were wider than those of alien species, and arid cities with harsher environmental stresses (mainly due to the limited precipitation) registered higher CMRs. In terms of sustainability, the response of landscape plants to climate change varied across climate zones, being influenced by a rich presence of temperate species. Overall, our findings emphasized that landscape plant selections should not only pay attention to the existing landscape needs, but also consider the climatic sustainability of landscape plant species to climate change, especially for long lifespan woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spontaneous plant communities in Chongqing Metropolis included 279 species. • Native species accounted for about 85% of the urban spontaneous plants. • Regional species pool decreased with increasing levels of urbanization intensification. • Habitat types and qualities affected the composition of spontaneous plant communities. Urban ecosystems can host a considerable amount of biodiversity because of the varying habitats created during urban development processes. Spontaneous vegetation is a neglected element of urban biodiversity, and the roles of a city's natural floristic resources, geomorphic features, and topographic characteristics in shaping spontaneous plant diversity patterns have not been fully clarified. We explored the impact of urban growth and elevation and slope on the diversity patterns of urban spontaneous plant communities in a mountainous city in southwest China. We recorded 279 species belonging to 210 genera and 70 families, with native species accounting for about 85% of the urban spontaneous plants. The magnitude of urban growth and elevation were the most important drivers and they were positively correlated with the γ-diversity patterns in Chongqing. Thus, both urban forms and the city's natural conditions are important in affecting the urban biodiversity patterns. Furthermore, urban spontaneous plant communities in Chongqing metropolis were mainly dominated by a few widespread, cosmopolitan species, with nearly 50% of the 279 species we recorded being narrowly distributed and rarely occurring species. The distribution of the rare, spontaneous species may be highly dependent on chance dispersal, the legacies of earlier land-use, and the availability of specific habitats. We propose that urban construction and landscape design should maintain appropriate configurations for the habitat type to preserve rarely occurring plant species to increase biodiversity in urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heritage trees of the major cities in the Yangtze River basin region included 310 species. • Tangible and cultural values of heritage trees represented close connections between humans and nature. • Heritage tree species composition differed among geographical locations. The negative consequences of increased urbanization on native biological and cultural diversity have received considerable research attention. Biological and cultural diversity can be sustained by counteracting various processes of floristic homogenization and by reestablishing connections between humans and nature. However, effective instruments to help people reconnect with nature can be lacking, especially in cities. Green spaces provide cultural, aesthetic, and ecological services and can represent a critical component of native plant diversity in urban environments. We examined the species composition of heritage trees and the tangible and cultural values of these trees in 11 major cities in the Yangtze River basin of China. Our analysis explored the similarities of three arboreal types, namely heritage trees, urban greening components, and natural plant communities. Heritage tree species are diverse, containing 310 recorded species representing 159 genera and 64 families. Their tangible and cultural values are mainly medicinal (221 species), followed by timber (186), culture (134), traditional courtyard planting (131) and food (124). Notable geographical differences in heritage tree species composition identified in our analysis could be explained by cities adopting mostly species native to the locality or province. Heritage tree assemblages were similar in composition to undisturbed natural plant communities, and the two populations experienced comparable progressive decline with geographical distance. Urban greening components indicated negligible decline in similarity beyond the 1000 km threshold, indicating common sharing of exotic species across disparate locations. Heritage tree species associated with notable tangible and cultural values, superior genetic constitution, and adaptation to local growth conditions present suitable candidates for urban planting to improve tree performance and urban biodiversity. Their long history of association with local culture and rich cultural values can be enlisted to strengthen the connections of urban communities to nature and history, and to promote nature conservation within cities. Given increasing biological and biocultural homogenization, especially in urban areas, protecting heritage trees and using them in urban greening can slow this trend and enrich stocks of urban biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Human dominated areas can support exceptionally high diversity of heritage trees. • Heritage trees were dominated by natural forest species. • Origins of heritage trees differed across climatic zones. • Most heritage tree species have tangible values. • Species assemblage associated with local plant species pools and human preference. Heritage trees are recognized as elements of cultural landscapes and as keystone ecological entities in human-dominated landscapes, often bestowing high socio-cultural and ecological values. Current understanding of species distribution patterns and broad-scale species assemblages of heritage trees is limited. This study analyzed the diversity, distribution patterns, and origins of heritage trees and assessed the underlying factors contributing to their occurrence at the national scale in China. Data were drawn from published and online sources representing 561 regions across China. There were 1140 species including 105 endangered ones preserved as heritage trees. Heritage trees originated from four sources of species provenance: natural forest species 73.51 % of total species), native ruderal species (10.53 %), domesticated species (6.75 %) and exotic species (9.21 %). The origin of heritage trees differed across climatic zones. At the national and climatic zone scale, species similarity (Jaccard Index) among regions was low, constrained by geographic distance, climate (e.g., mean annual precipitation) and anthropogenic factors (e.g., population density). Mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, population density and GDP per capita were the main determinants of species provenance. Most heritage tree species serve tangible uses, especially domesticated and exotic species. Species assemblages of heritage trees were mainly associated with the local plant species pool, climate, socio-economic development status and human preference. As living heritage, the trees need dedicated protection measures based on their main tangible and cultural values for human, primary threats, and statutory protection degree at the species level. Regional culture, belief, and customary laws should be considered in formulating policies for protection and conservation of these trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 5105 large old trees from 80 species were identified in Wuchuan County. • Natural vegetation and human selection shaped species composition. • Village and artificial habitats as refugia for large old tree. • Most of the large old trees protected as sacred tree and fengshui tree. • The protection and management depended on traditional taboo, local institutions and clan organization. Large old trees are keystone ecological entities and cultural heritages that provide vital services to humans in settlements. We investigated the abundance, species diversity, distribution patterns, and environmental and anthropogenic determinants of large old trees in Wuchuan Gelao and Miao (minority ethnic groups) Autonomous County in southwest China. We examined the role of large old trees in the local culture systems and their management and protection practices through in-depth sociological interviews of local villagers. The 5105 large old trees from 80 species originated either from natural forests (28.1 %) or cultivation (71.9 %). Species distribution differed by elevation and topography units. Cultivated trees (e.g. Cupressus funebris and Phoebe zhennan) were mainly distributed at low-elevation valleys and slopes. Wild trees (e.g. Ginkgo biloba and Liquidambar formosana) mainly distributed in valleys at medium elevation. Most large old trees dwelt in artificial habitats such as house-side (25.0 %), farmland (10.4 %), graveyard (9.9 %) and roadside (8.5 %). Villages located at medium elevation, close to city and with medium human population proportion had higher tree density. Elevation and distance to city had positive effect whereas population density negative effect on wild tree proportion. Villages at medium elevation had higher species diversity, whereas distance to city and farmland-area proportion had negative effect. Local people protected large old trees mainly for cultural reasons. Cultural large old trees accounted for 71.9 % of the trees, of which 65.5 % were fengshui tree and 6.4 % sacred tree. Proportion of culturally protected large old trees was positively correlated with population density, but negatively with Han population. Protection of sacred trees depended on traditional taboos, and of fengshui trees on local customary laws and family regulations. These effective traditional beliefs and practices contributed to persistence of large old trees in artificial habitats around villages despite a long period marked by rapid cultural, political, and economic changes. Wuchuan can serve as exemplary of protecting large old trees based on local culture and regulation at the community and family levels. The findings informed that large old trees need dedicated protection measures that stress their main values and threats. In addition, local customary laws, traditional culture and ecological compensation should be integrated into conservation policies and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Turbulence accelerates MC-LR removal from water by SPM and biofilm. • SPM-biofilm aggregates reduce MC-LR via multiple approaches. • SPM-biofilm aggregates cause oxidative damage and intestinal injury to D. magna. • The SPM-biofilm aggregates' toxicity shows weak linkage with turbulence intensity. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and biofilm are critical in removing contaminants in aquatic environments, but the environmental behavior and ecological toxicity of SPM-biofilm aggregates modulated by turbulence intensities are largely unknown. This study determined the removal pathways of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) by SPM and its biofilm under different turbulence intensities (2.25 × 10–3, 1.01 × 10–2, and 1.80 × 10–2 m2/s3). Then, we evaluated the toxicity of SPM-biofilm aggregates to Daphnia magna. The results revealed that SPM contributed to the adsorption of MC-LR, and the removal of MC-LR can be accelerated with biofilm formation on SPM, with 95.66 % to 97.45 % reduction in MC-LR concentration under the studied turbulence intensities. Higher turbulence intensity triggered more frequent contact of SPM and MC-LR, formed compact but smaller clusters of SPM-biofilm aggregates, and enhanced the abundance of mlrA and mlrB ; thus benefiting the adsorption, biosorption, and biodegradation of MC-LR. Furthermore, the SPM-biofilm aggregates formed in turbulent water triggered oxidative stress to Daphnia magna , while a weak lethal toxic effect was identified under moderate turbulence intensity. The results indicate that the toxicity of SPM-biofilm aggregates fail to display a linear relationship with turbulence intensity. These findings offer new perspectives on understanding the environmental behavior and ecological outcomes of SPM and its biofilms in turbulent aquatic environments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stronger nutrient uplift effect on P in the P-poor than P-rich ecosystems. • Soil total P and labile P concentrations increase with elevation. • Elevational patterns of moderately labile Po are regulated by bedrock. Terrestrial carbon sequestration is constrained by the supply of soil phosphorus (P). Climate and bedrock are two key independent drivers of soil P supply. Their potential interactions with soil P supply remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we examined the P status of subtropical forests in southern China along two adjacent elevational gradients with contrasting bedrock types (granite vs. slate). The results show that the P concentration of granite was significantly lower than that of slate. Accordingly, the P concentration of mineral soil, litter, and fine-root P on the granite was significantly lower than that on the slate. In contrast, their ratios to the bedrock P concentration were higher in the granite transect than in the slate transect. Moreover, we found a stronger nutrient uplift effect on P in the P-poor transects. Although bedrock P concentrations were constant along elevation, topsoil total P, soil labile inorganic P (Pi), soil labile organic P (Po), and soil moderately labile Pi concentrations showed a significant increasing trend with elevation on both transects. Multivariate linear regression models revealed that bedrock P explained more variation of plant and soil P than did climate. Soil moderately labile Po concentration showed contrasting elevational patterns on different bedrock types, which indicated an interactive effect between bedrock P concentration and climate on the soil moderately labile Po concentration. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that plant and soil P measures were more tightly coupled in the P-poor transect than in the P-rich transect. These results indicate that the P status of subtropical forests is determined predominantly by the bedrock P concentration and by its interaction with climate. Our results suggest that predictions of ecosystem P status and its responses to climate change can be improved significantly by incorporating local-scale parent material properties into the modeling frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the great successes in improving rural electrification and reducing poverty, China's small hydropower (SHP) development is expected to provide a good example for other developing countries. However, recently, nearly all new SHP development plans have been halted, and many plants have been urged to shut down or even be removed. The SHP industry in China is now in a dilemma. This paper presents a review of the status of SHP development in China and explores the challenges troubling this industry. It was revealed that SHP resources in many provinces have been intensively exploited, with an exploration rate over 0.80, while untapped resources are primarily located in remote western provinces, such as ecologically fragile Tibet. This intensive and disordered SHP development has caused serious dewatering of rivers and affected local agricultural and household water access, which arouses fierce controversy. Moreover, the role of SHP has been gradually weakened by the extension of power grids and diversified electricity sources. Therefore, the transition and upgrade of the SHP industry has become critical to enhance its sustainable development and to provide a solid example for the world. A divergence management strategy for SHP should be adopted to achieve low-impact development, as opposed to blind large-scale development or rigidly discontinuing all projects. Future transition strategies are proposed in this paper that include delicate management of existing plants and construction of new plants with higher standards, as well as pathways for the development benefits to be shared by a wider range of local residents. • This study investigated the history and status quo of SHP development in China. • SHP resources in most provinces are intensively developed except some western areas. • Growing challenges that trouble the SHP industry in China were identified. • Future transition strategies for the SHP industry in China were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Urban macrophyte diversity in China is becoming homogenized. • The proportion of non-native species used was as high as 30%. • Cities in the subtropical zones showed particularly high macrophyte similarity. Urbanization results in the extinction of many endemic and specialist species, and has led to the homogenization of biodiversity in global urban ecosystems. The level of biotic homogenization is viewed as an indicator of the impact of urbanization on ecosystems. Using the Jaccard similarity index (J), we investigated whether or not the urban aquatic macrophyte communities in China are becoming homogenized at varied spatial scales. We also explored the configurations of greening aquatic macrophyte communities, including species composition, proportion of native versus non-native species, and their life forms for 35 major Chinese cities. We found that pair-wise comparisons of floristic similarity among cities were significantly higher for the urban communities than the natural communities. A high proportion of shared common species among the greening macrophyte communities could be the main explanation of the homogenization of urban macrophyte diversity in China. When grouping the pairs of comparisons by climatic zones, J values were as high as 0.7 for three subtropical zones, indicating that for cities within the same climatic zone, the degree of homogenization in macrophyte diversity could be much higher than the degree of homogenization at the country level. The proportion of non-native species used in urban greening spaces was about 30%, and some non-native invaders such as Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes were also frequently seen in the 35 cities. We recommend that new guidelines and regulations be established to guide the selection of aquatic plants during the construction of urban greening facilities. In particular, attention should be paid to the utilization of non-native species for minimizing potential threats to local biodiversity and to mitigate biotic homogenization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) describes co-variation in leaf functional traits relevant to carbon and nutrient economics across plant species. It has been proposed that LES can be a useful predictor of litter decomposability, thereby influencing ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. However, the role of soil fauna in mediating the LES-decomposability relationship is largely unexplored. We evaluated leaf litter decomposability of 21 co-occurring tree species in a subtropical forest in China. We used litterbags with different mesh sizes to control litter accessibility to meso- and macrofauna. We quantified 9 leaf functional traits and 12 litter traits, and investigated how these traits were related to the losses of litter mass, carbon and nitrogen under different fauna treatments. Litter mass loss varied from 32.3 to 80.6% after 400 days of decomposition in the field. Meso- and macrofauna presence increased on average litter mass loss by 8.4%, carbon loss by 11% and nitrogen loss by 14.4%. Litter nutrient contents and stoichiometry generally had no significant effect on decomposition rates. Instead, structure-related traits such as toughness, lignin and labile compounds were generally strongly related to decomposition rates, suggesting that decomposition processes are strongly limited by energy availability. We found significant linear relationships between LES and litter mass or carbon loss, but not nitrogen loss. However, meso- and macrofauna presence did not significantly alter the regression slopes of these relationships, suggesting that meso- and macrofauna exert similar effects on decomposition of litter originating from tree species characterized by different life strategies. This study advances our understanding of the soil fauna in driving litter decomposition in subtropical forests. • Meso-and macrofauna significantly accelerated litter mass loss, carbon and nitrogen release. • Leaf economics spectrum (LES) significantly correlated with litter mass loss or carbon loss, but not nitrogen loss. • LES-decomposability relationships were not altered by the presence of meso-and macrofauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]