Terrestrial–aquatic microbial community coalescence slows litter decomposition in streams

In the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, litter can enter the stream vertically, falling from the tree and into the stream, or laterally, sliding into the stream after transient terrestrial retention. The transition between these ecological contexts can lead to the coalescence of microbial communities. This study focuses on differences in the decomposition between vertical input and lateral input litter, as well as the influence of terrestrial-aquatic microbial community coalescence on their decomposition.