Plant traits affect soil microbes differently in forests across China. Temperate forests have the most active microbes, followed by subtropical and coniferous forests. Plant traits like leaf dry matter and nutrients play a bigger role than climate in shaping soil microbial functions. Soil composition and plant traits influence how microbes break down organic matter. Bacterial communities are linked to enzyme production, while fungal communities are not. Temperate forests decompose organic matter faster than subtropical and tropical forests. Soil organic matter decomposition rates are lower in forests with higher dissolved organic carbon levels.