Data from: Fungal energy channeling sustains soil animal communities across forest types and regions

Emerging evidence suggests that microbivory prevails in soil animal
communities, yet the relative importance of bacteria, fungi, and plants as
basal resource energy channels across taxa and forest types remains
unstudied. We developed a novel framework combining stable isotope
analysis of essential amino acids (eAAs) and energy fluxes to quantify
basal resource contributions and trophic positions of meso- and macrofauna
detritivores (Collembola, Oribatida, Diplopoda, Isopoda, Lumbricidae) and
predators (Mesostigmata, Chilopoda) in 48 forest sites of different
management intensity across Germany. Fungal energy channeling dominated,
with the highest energy fluxes and 73 % fungal eAAs across forests and
regions. Chilopoda, however, acquired more energy from bacteria and
plants. Energy fluxes to Lumbricidae were highest, but decreased,
alongside those to other macrofauna, in acidic forests. Trophic positions
varied between regions, reflecting changes in community structure linked
to regional factors. Our findings highlight the stability and pivotal role
of fungal energy channeling for forest soil animal communities.