▪ Abstract We explore empirical and theoretical evidence for the functional significance of
plant-litter diversity and the extraordinary high diversity of decomposer organisms in the …

The control of soil organic matter (SOM) stability by soil invertebrates is evaluated in terms of
their impact on the inherent recalcitrance, accessibility to microorganisms, and interaction …

Fungi play vital roles in all ecosystems, as decomposers, symbionts of animals and plants
and as parasites. Thus their ecology is of great interest. It has been estimated that there may …

This new edition of Fungi in Ecosystem Processes continues the unique approach of
examining the roles of fungi from the perspective of ecosystem functions. It explores how …

Cultivation of fungus for food originated about 45-65 million years ago in the ancestor of
fungus-growing ants (Formicidae, tribe Attini), representing an evolutionary transition from …

This research illustrates the qualitative and quantitative composition of the mycoflora of both
a green compost (thermophilically produced from plant debris) and a vermicompost …

Ectomycorrhizas (ECM) are dual organs formed between the terminal feeder roots of many
plant species and certain soil fungi. The species richness and taxonomic diversity of ECM …

Fungi can provide insects with nutrients and essential elements, detoxify plant defenses in
recently dead wood, and protect or, in contrast, attack and digest insects. Insects can affect …

Soil microarthropods are essential for nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems as they are
integral components of decomposer food webs. They channel carbon and nutrients from leaf …

Among the most fascinating and important properties of fungi is their ability to produce a
tremendous variety of so-called secondary metabolites that display a broad range of …