Long-Term Effects of Climate and Litter Chemistry on Rates and Stable Fractions of Decomposing Scots Pine and Norway Spruce Needle Litter—A Synthesis

We have reviewed information on early-, late- and limit-value decomposition stages for litter of Norway spruce (Picea abies) Scots pine (Pinus silvestris). This synthesis covers c 16 studies/papers made along a climatic gradient; range in mean annual temperature (MAT) from ?1 to +7 °C precipitation (MAP) 425 1070 mm. has an early stage dominated by carbohydrate late lignin; just one lignin decomposition. used data mass loss identify rate-regulating factors both stages; climate data, namely, MAT MAP, as well substrate properties, nitrogen (N), acid unhydrolyzable residue (AUR), manganese (Mn). Early-stage was positively MAT; the negatively MAT, N, AUR, changing with stage; there no effect Mn. had lignin-dominated mainly negative relationship AUR non-significant relationships N MAT. Mn positive relationship. Limit values decomposition, accumulated at which is calculated be zero, were related litter. With different sets compounds/elements limit values, patterns or pathways are different.