Nutrient Decomposition and Recycling in Forage Plantations: The Role of Insects and Ecological Implications
Derek J. Polakitan
Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Agustinus N. Kairupan *
Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Paulus C. Paat
Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Achmad Fanindi
Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Try Zulchy
Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Herlina N. Salamba
Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Olvie G. Tandi
Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Ibrahim E. Malia
Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Jane W. Rembang
Research Center for Horticultural, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
August L. Polakitan
Research Centre for Food Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Gabriel H. Joseph
Research Center for Technologi Process, National Research and Innovation Agency, Serpong, Indonesia.
Jantje G. Kindangen
Research Center for Macroeconomics and Finance, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Nelson H. Kario
Research Center for Economic, Behavioral and Secular, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Meivie Lintang
Research Center for Tehnology Manufacturing, National Research and Innovation Agency, Serpong, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Insects are integral components of decomposition and nutrient recycling in forage plantation and forest-based animal feed systems because they connect organic matter breakdown with soil fertility and forage development. This review synthesises scientific findings on the ecological roles of insects in the decomposition of litter, dead wood, plant residues and other organic materials, with emphasis on the biological, physical and microbial interactions that regulate nutrient cycling. Using a narrative review approach, literature was selected from major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, with attention to recent studies on soil insects, litter decomposition, nutrient transformation and forest ecosystem functioning. The synthesis indicates that insects contribute to decomposition through fragmentation, enzymatic digestion, bioturbation and symbiotic interactions with microorganisms. These processes increase the accessibility of organic substrates to microbes, accelerate mineralisation and support the release of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients into the soil. The influence of insects on soil fertility is reflected in improved organic matter dynamics, soil structure, aeration and nutrient availability, which may indirectly support forage biomass and nutritional quality. However, the effectiveness of insect-mediated decomposition varies with environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, litter quality, soil properties, microbial activity and ecosystem type. Anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, intensive land management, pesticide use and insect biodiversity loss may reduce decomposition efficiency and weaken nutrient cycling. The review highlights the need to consider decomposer insects as essential biological components of sustainable forage plantation and forest-based feed systems. Conserving insect diversity and maintaining soil health may support more stable nutrient cycling and resilient forage production under changing environmental conditions.
Keywords: Insects, decomposition, nutrient recycling, forage plantations, forest ecosystems, soil fauna, detritivores, litter fragmentation, bioturbation, soil fertility, forage quality