Abstract: We summarized the process, characteristics and influence factors of litter decomposition, including the stage division of decomposition, the mass loss and changes of components and character of decomposing litter. The decomposition of litter includes physical leaching, biochemical decomposition, and fragmentation. Physical leaching and biochemical degradation are dominant in the early and later stages of decomposition, respectively. Litter decomposition shows characteristics of continuity and stage, with mass loss of being fast at first and then being slow. The humification is strengthened with the accumulation of substances which are decomposed difficultly, resulting in the enhancement of aromaticity and adsorption and the decrease of biodegradability. Nutrient concentrations change greatly during decomposition. The content of C element is generally decreased, while P and N are either accumulated or released, which are influenced by many factors. Litter decomposition is a process influenced by multiple factors. Overall, litter property is essential to the decomposition. Temperature, water, soil animal community can have distinct impacts on the decomposition. To a certain degree, increased moisture and temperature can accelerate the decomposition by promoting leaching process and microbial activity. Soil organisms have a significant contribution to the decomposition of litter. The role of microorganisms during decomposition is dominant and the soil animals play a supplementary role. Thus, studies on litter decomposition in the future should focus on the decomposition mechanism, the interaction between the factors, and the feedback of litter decomposition on the ecological changes.

Key words: cold-shock, tomato seedling, high temperature stress, dwarfing effect, ethylene production, GA₃.