Dicranopteris-dominated understory as major driver of intensive forest ecosystem in humid subtropical and tropical region

► Understory removal changed soil decomposer communities and litter decomposition. ► Understory removal increased soil temperature and reduced soil moisture. ► The effects of understory removal were more pronounced than canopy tree removal. ► Soil microclimates change may be responsible for changes of other measured variables. ► Dicranopteris-dominated understory is a major driver of intensive forest ecosystem.