Abstract:Understanding the response of litter decomposition to elevated CO 2 atmospheric concentration,global warming,and change in precipitation is of crucial importance in understanding soil organic matter formation and carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems.In this review,we use published results,laboratory incubation results of decomposing roots,and leaf litter decomposition data in the coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest of USA to assess the potential effects of global change(e.g.,elevated CO ...