Abstract: Aims The aims of this study were to elucidate the patterns of cellulose decomposition in litter and to determine the extent to which these rates are influenced by climate factors (i.e., mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP)), topographic factors (i.e., altitude), soil properties (i.e., clay content and soil pH), and litter quality (i.e., initial cellulose content, cellulose/nitrogen (N) ratios, carbon/nitrogen ratios (C/N ratios) and lignin/cellulose ratios). Methods We compiled a dataset from existing studies that reported the litter cellulose decomposition constant (i.e., k value, a measure of the decomposition rate). Using a first-order exponential kinetic model, we calculated the k values for litter cellulose decomposition. Important findings The rates of cellulose decomposition were significantly higher in tropical and subtropical regions than temperate regions. Broad-leaved litter exhibited significantly faster decomposition rates than coniferous litter. The initial C/N ratios and MAT were identified as the most influential factors on cellulose decomposition rates, with rates decreasing as initial C/N ratios and lignin/cellulose ratios increased, and increasing with higher MAT. This study emphasized the essential influence of litter quality and climate in cellulose decomposition, enhancing our understanding of the patterns of litter cellulose decomposition, providing insights into the turnover process of plant litter and ecosystem carbon cycle models.

Key words: cellulose, litter decomposition, climatic, litter quality