Abstract: Soil C, N, P contents and stoichiometric ratios reflect the quantity and quality of soil organic matter, as well as element balance and constraints, which is of great significance for understanding ecological specificity and stability. Here, we summarized and analyzed the research on the spatial and temporal variations of soil C, N, P and their ratios and the driving factors in China, aiming to clarify the evolution of soil C, N, P and stoichiometric ratios at different spatial and temporal scales in China, and prospected the future research focuses. Under the combined effects of hydrothermal factors, land use/cover types and soil physicochemical properties, soil C, N, P and stoichiometric ratios showed different patterns in spatial and temporal scales. We further elucidated the mechanisms underlying stoichiometric characteristics and the coupling patterns of biogeochemical cycles. Our review will provide strong theoretical support for further research in ecosystem ecology.

Key words: soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, ecological stoichiometry, spatial and temporal variability, driving factor