microbes secrete enzymes that digest plant structures into "bite-size" bits outside the cell Nematodes: feed directly on dead and live plant material (parasites) Collembola, other arthropods: feed on plant litter , physical disruption breaks material into smaller pieces that are more readily decomposed by bacteria and fungi Earthworms: feed on detritus and breakup 
(smaller pieces; are more readily decomposed; by bacteria and fungi) (enzymes; digest; plant structures; into "bite-size" bits outside the cell Nematodes) (Earthworms; feed; ) (physical disruption breaks; material; into smaller pieces)
smaller pieces enzymes Earthworms physical disruption breaks
are more readily decomposed digest feed material
by bacteria and fungi
plant structures into "bite-size" bits outside the cell Nematodes
into smaller pieces