Litter Decompositions: From Individuals to Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Litter decomposition is a fundamental process influencing not only energy resources and nutrient cycling in ecosystems but also the extraordinarily diverse communities connected by highly complex interactions. Plant litter decomposition has major control over nutrient availability, element cycling, and, consequently, plant growth and community structure. The litter compositions and traits, in turn, significantly affect ecological functions through food webs, interactions, and micro-environmental changes. Despite the overwhelming importance of litter decompositions for plants, soil fauna, microorganism communities, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystem functions, information about their ecology is lacking.

For this topic, we welcome manuscripts that provide novel insights on a broad range of topics in the scope of litter decompositions, including:

1. Ecological stoichiometry and nutrient cycling in the process of litter decompositions, with a particular focus on elements dynamics and seasonal patterns;
2. The abiotic and biotic factors affecting litter decomposition, as well as the ecological interaction and the co-evolution between plant litters and their interaction partners;
3. How diversity in litter mixtures can alter community structures and ecological functions in variable ecosystems, especially under the stress of climate change and human activities.

Original works, reviews, and short communications are all very welcome.

Dr. Wen Zhou
Prof. Dr. Guihua Liu
Topic Editors