Effects of terrestrial isopods on soil nutrients during litter decomposition

•Terrestrial isopods act as material recycling converters in the ecosystem.•Isopods can release nutrients from litter through direct and indirect effects.•Isopods may prefer litter with a low C/N.•Isopods can improve soil nutrient content and soil quality. Soil fauna are important biological factors that affect litter decomposition and play an important role in the release of nutrients, such as carbon and nitrogen. This study focused on the role of soil fauna in litter decomposition. Field microcosm experiments were conducted to assess the influence of isopods (Porcellionidae and Armadillidiidae) on soil nutrients during the litter decomposition of Catalpa bungei (CL), Platanus acerifolia (PL), and Aesculus chinensis (AL). The litter mass loss and nutrients in different soil layers treated with various isopods were determined in three-month microcosm incubations. Results showed that the presence of isopods significantly increased (P