The litter C/N ratio governs the dual role of Ectomycorrhizal fungi in decomposition and plant nutrition absorption

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcMF) modulate litter decomposition in a manner dependent on litter chemistry and facilitate nutrient acquisition through the soil–mycorrhiza–plant pathway. However, how litter carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio regulates EcMF-induced decomposition and subsequent plant growth remains unclear. Using a microcosm experiment with five litter types, we assessed decomposition rates, C and N loss, microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and plant growth under ectomycorrhizal and non-ectomycorrhizal seedlings. Results indicated that effects of EcMF on litter decomposition were litter-specific and time-dependent. After 120 days, EcMF enhanced decomposition of low C/N litters (Carex breviculmis, Lindera glauca, and Liquidambar formosana) by 13–28%, but suppressed that of high C/N litters (Quercus acutissima and Pinus massoniana) by 19–20%. Initially (30 days), EcMF inhibited low C/N litter decomposition, later shifting to promotion, whereas high C/N litter decomposition was consiste..., , # Data from: The litter C/N ratio governs the dual role of Ectomycorrhizal fungi in decomposition and plant nutrition absorption

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.3tx95x6vp](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.3tx95x6vp)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset comprises four CSV files. The \"Litter.csv\" file contains data on mass loss, enzyme activity, and microbial respiration for five types of litter at different decomposition stages (30, 60, 90, and 120 days). The \"Hyphal effect on decomposition data.csv\" file provides the effect sizes of ectomycorrhizal fungi on mass loss, respiration rate, and enzyme activity for five litter types across the decomposition stages. The \"Plant data.csv\" file includes plant biomass and nitrogen content data when grown with different types of litter as substrate. The \"hyphal effect on plant data.csv\" file contains the effect sizes of ectomycorrhizal fungi on plant dry weight and nitrogen content under the five litter treatments.

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