{
  "dc.datacite.title": "Contrasting effects of vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores on leaf litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems: a meta-analysis",
  "dc.datacite.creator": [
    "Tapella, María Paz",
    "Barrios Garcia Moar, Maria Noelia"
  ],
  "dc.datacite.publicationyear": "2025",
  "dc.datacite.description": "Data was compiled through a systematic literature search of peer-reviewed articles that experimentally tested the effects of vertebrate or invertebrate herbivores on leaf litter decomposition. Searches were conducted in ISI Web of Science (all editions) and Google Scholar (last accessed July 5, 2023) using predefined keywords, and were complemented by screening the reference lists of related reviews and meta-analyses. Studies were included if they: (1) manipulated herbivore presence (vertebrates or invertebrates); (2) measured decomposition as mass remaining (%) or mass loss (%) using the litterbag or Tea Bag technique; and (3) reported paired observations for treatments with and without herbivores, either via litter quality–mediated or soil–mediated pathways. From each study, we extracted means, standard deviations, and sample sizes for decomposition, along with additional variables such as herbivore type, pathway (litter quality–mediated vs. soil–mediated), plant woodiness (woody vs. non-woody), ecosystem type, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation. Ecosystem fertility was classified based on a combination of latitude, MAT, MAP, ecosystem type, and additional site-specific information such as productivity, soil properties (e.g., nitrogen content), and herbivore consumption rates. For observations classified as litter quality–mediated effects, we also include data for three leaf traits—C:N ratio, nitrogen content, and lignin content—that were available for the largest number of studies and used in complementary analyses. Data were obtained directly from tables and text, digitized from figures using GetData Graph Digitizer, or requested from the authors when missing. A separate file provides the complete reference list of the 46 studies from which the original data were obtained.",
  "dc.datacite.ResourceType": "dataset",
  "dc.datacite.language": "eng",
  "dc.subject.keyword": [
    "ECOSYSTEM FERTILITY",
    "HERBIVORY EFFECTS",
    "PLANT TRAITS",
    "PLANT DECOMPOSITION",
    "SOIL DECOMPOSER COMMUNITY",
    "SOIL PROPERTIES"
  ],
  "dc.rights": "info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess",
  "dc.rights.uri": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ar/",
  "handle": "11336/269273"
}