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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
Litter decomposition, climate and liter quality.
M M Coûteaux1, P Bottner, B Berg
1Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, BP 5051, Route de Mende, F-34033 Montpellier Cedex, France.
Litter decomposition, crucial for the carbon cycle, is governed by climate and litter quality. These factors influence decomposition rates and humus formation, especially with changing atmospheric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Litter decomposition plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle.
- Factors influencing decomposition include climate, litter quality, and decomposer organisms.
- Recent interest stems from potential impacts of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and global warming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary controls on litter decomposition.
- To highlight the significance of litter quality and climate.
- To discuss the implications for the global carbon cycle.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on litter decomposition.
- Analysis of the interplay between climate, litter quality, and decomposers.
- Synthesis of findings related to carbon cycling and humus formation.
Main Results:
- Climate is dominant under unfavorable conditions; litter quality prevails under favorable conditions.
- Litter quality influences humus formation throughout decomposition.
- Climate change factors (CO2, warming) may alter litter quality and decomposition rates.
Conclusions:
- Climate and litter quality are key regulators of decomposition.
- Understanding these factors is critical for predicting carbon cycle dynamics.
- Litter decomposition is sensitive to global environmental changes.
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