Abstract: Herbaceous macrophyte is a main vegetation type on wetland. Its litter decomposition is one of the key processes in the material cycling and energy flow of wetland ecosystem, and plays an important role in maintaining the functions of the ecosystem. This paper reviewed the research progress on the main factors affecting the litter decomposition of wetland herbaceous macrophytes, including the quality of litter itself, biotic and abiotic factors, and human activities, etc., and discussed the issues to be further studied. More attention should be paid on the mechanisms of litter decomposition, the effects of global climate change on the decomposition, and the approaches of related integrative and multi-scale research.

Key words: Red tide, Heterosigma akashiwo, Biochemical composition, Iron stress