Plant clipping decelerates the mineralization of recalcitrant soil organic matter under multiple grassland species

► The effect of plant clipping on soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization is unclear. ► We show that clipping decreased the SOM mineralization (Rs) under 7 grassland species. ► Clipping induced a decrease in plant N uptake thereby a decrease in fungi:bacteria. ► The change in saprophytic fungal abundance (18:2ω6) was strongly correlated with Rs. ► This result suggests a key role of saprophytic fungi in SOM mineralization.