Litterfall Dynamics Research Articles

Litter and Pruning Biomass in Mango Orchards: Quantification and Nutrient Analysis

Litter and pruning biomass are integral to nutrient cycling in the plant–soil ecosystem, contributing significantly to organic matter formation and humus development through decomposition and nutrient mineralization, which ultimately influence soil fertility and health. However, the litterfall dynamics in mango orchards are not well understood, and its contribution to nutrient cycling has seldom been measured. This study aimed to estimate litterfall and pruning biomass in mango orchards and assess the nutrient contents of various biomass components. Litter and pruning biomass samples were collected from four commercial mango orchards planted with Kensington Pride (‘KP’) and ‘B74’ (‘Calypso®’) cultivars in the Darwin and Katherine regions, using litter traps placed on the orchard floors. Samples were sorted (leaves, flowers, panicles, fruits, and branches) and analyzed for nutrient contents. Results showed that most biomass abscissions occurred between late June and August, spanning approximately 100 days involving floral induction phase, fruit set, and maturity. Leaves made up most of the abscised litter biomass, while branches were the primary component of pruning biomass. The overall ranking of biomass across both regions and orchards is as follows: leaves > branches > panicles > flowers > fruits. The carbon–nitrogen (C:N) ratio of litter pruning material ranged from 30 (flowers) to 139 (branches). On a hectare basis, litter and biomass inputs contained 1.2 t carbon (C), 21.2 kg nitrogen (N), 0.80 kg phosphorus (P), 4.9 kg potassium (K), 8.7 kg calcium (Ca), 2.0 kg magnesium (Mg), 1.1 kg sulfur (S), 15 g boron (B), 13.6 g copper (Cu), 99.3 g iron (Fe), 78.6 g manganese (Mn), and 28.6 g zinc (Zn). The results indicate that annual litterfall may contribute substantially to plant nutrient supply and soil health when incorporated into the soil to undergo decomposition. This study contributes to a better understanding of litter biomass, nutrient sources, and nutrient cycling in tropical mango production systems, offering insights that support accurate nutrient budgeting and help prevent over-fertilization. However, further research is needed to examine biomass accumulation under different pruning regimes, decomposition dynamics, microbial interactions, and broader ecological effects to understand litterfall’s role in promoting plant growth, enhancing soil health, and supporting sustainable mango production.

Litter Dynamics and Nutrient Contributions in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry Systems Under Varied Shade Regimes in the Central Western Ghats, India

Coffee agroforestry systems (CAS) are increasingly recognized as an effective climate change mitigation strategy due to their ability to sequester carbon. However, most studies on CAS have focused on the management and productivity of coffee plants, with limited attention to litterfall dynamics and their contribution to soil nutrients, particularly in Indian coffee plantations. In this study, quantified and compared litterfall dynamics in arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) grown under different shade patterns. Litterfall collected from designated quadrants was analyzed using standard soil testing procedures. Results showed significant variation in litterfall across treatments, ranging from 3.43 to 13.54 MT ha-1. The highest litterfall was recorded under exotic species shade with 13.54 MT ha-1, followed by native species shade with 11.68 MT ha-1. In terms of nutrient contributions to the soil, coffee grown under native species shade recorded the highest addition of nitrogen (301.37 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (22.19 kg ha-1), significantly exceeding other treatments. Conversely, potassium addition was highest under exotic species shade (257.30 kg ha-1). The findings suggest that coffee grown under a two-tier mixed shade system, comprising both native and exotic species, benefits from enhanced litterfall dynamics and improved nutrient contributions to the soil compared to unshaded systems. To promote soil health and sustainability, policy incentives should encourage the adoption and maintenance of two-tier mixed shade systems in coffee plantations.

Litterfall Dynamics of Agroforestry Systems in Parkland of the North Sudanian Zone, Burkina Faso

Poor soil fertility is a problem for agriculture in Burkina Faso. Litterfall is an important way for bio-elements to return to the soil. Therefore, the dynamics and quantity of litterfall were studied as part of a collaborative research project that aims to better manage agroforestry parkland. Five 0.25 m2 litter traps were placed under 5 trees of 3 species (Vitellaria paradoxa, Lannea microcarpa and Parkia biglobosa) that have multiple purposes in agroforestry. Every 2 weeks, litter was collected and sorted into leaves, twigs, fruits and other non-foliar components, which were oven dried and weighed. We calculated total annual litter production by species and fractions. Afterwards, Vitellaria paradoxa, Lannea microcarpa, and Azadirachta indica litterfall and Sorghum crop residues were composted and the chemical qualities of the composts were compared. Mean total litterfall (±SE) was 689±94, 671±141, and 1435±190 g dw m-2 yr-1 for L. microcarpa, Parkia biglobosa, and V. paradoxa, respectively. Leaf litter component composition varied from 47% to 87% depending on species. The largest littefall input occurred in the dry season, October–April. Litter quantity showed that agroforestry parkland is productive. Litterfall composts had better chemical quality than conventional crop residue compost, but the decomposition rate of V. paradoxa litter was very low (29%). These results suggest that with proper management, litterfall could contribute significantly to enhancing soil fertility in agroforestry parkland.

Litterfall variation and soil nutrient dynamics in Swietenia macrophylla, Samanea saman and Bambusa blumeana woodstands: Implications for nutrient cycling and soil fertility

This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding litterfall dynamics in university wood stands, focusing on Tarlac Agricultural University and its diverse tree species. While extensive research exists on soil dynamics and litterfall in large-scale plantations and forested areas in the Philippines, university wood stands remain understudied. The research assesses and compares litterfall variation among Swietenia macrophylla, Samanea saman and Bambusa blumeana, exploring implications for nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and amelioration. Litterfall was collected using the catch net method, followed by soil nutrient analyses to establish correlations. Results indicate significant variations in litterfall quantity, organic matter, phosphorus, and nitrogen across akasya, mahogany, and kawayang tinik woodstands. S. macrophylla (mahogany) shows the highest litterfall production (39.97 gday-1), while S. saman (akasya) exhibits the highest organic matter content in both top and subsoil layers (2.23% and 1.69%). B. blumeana (kawayang tinik) woodstands demonstrate elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the topsoil (0.09% and 27 ppm) while S. saman showing the highest levels in the subsoil (0.08% and 18 ppm). The study also highlights the influence of leaf senescence seasonality on litterfall production and species-specific nutrient composition in soil layers. Notably, kawayang tinik shows promise for soil amelioration due to its substantial litterfall production and positive soil quality impact. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into litterfall and soil nutrient dynamics in university wood stands, emphasizing the role of plant species and offering practical implications for soil management strategies. B. blumeana emerges as pivotal for enhancing soil fertility and amelioration, with broader implications for sustainable agriculture practices.

Variations in litterfall dynamics, root biomass, and sediment accretion in restored and recolonized mangroves in Leyte, Philippines

Variations in litterfall dynamics, root biomass, and sediment accretion in restored and recolonized mangroves in Leyte, Philippines

Seasonal and long-term changes in litterfall production and litter decomposition in the dominant forest communities of Western Himalaya

Seasonal and long-term changes in litterfall production and litter decomposition in the dominant forest communities of Western Himalaya

Seasonal litterfall dynamics in pine and oak forests of central forest steppe

The study of litterfall dynamics is of particular relevance in the forest-steppe zone, where forest ecosystems are characterized by high variability of climatic conditions and soil characteristics. The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal dynamics of litterfall in pine and oak forests. Litterfall was collected during the seasonal maximum input period, from August to November, and then subjected to laboratory fractionation and carbon content determination. The results demonstrated significant differences in the dynamics and magnitude of litterfall input between pine and oak forests. Maximum litterfall (69 g/m²) in pine forests was reached in October and was composed primarily of needles (59%) and branches/bark (28%), and in oak forests – 166 g/m2. The carbon content of the different litterfall fractions was found to be higher in pine forests than in oak forests. Seasonal carbon flux with litterfall was estimated to be 0.62 MgC/ha in pine forests and 1.12 MgC/ha in oak forests. The observed differences in the dynamics and carbon content of litterfall between two types of forests can be attributed to the biochemical and phenological differences between coniferous and deciduous trees. The findings are significant for the development of strategies for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems in the context of climate change.

Climatic drivers of litterfall production and its components in two subtropical forests in South China: A 14-year observation

Climatic drivers of litterfall production and its components in two subtropical forests in South China: A 14-year observation

Litter dynamics of forest ecosystem in an urban and pristine area of West Bengal, India

Aim: A comparative assessment of forest litterfall dynamics was carried out between the Garadaha forest (GF or urban) and the Pratappur forest (PF or pristine), located in Burdwan districts of West Bengal, and the litterfall components were correlated with the environmental factors that govern the dynamics. Methodology: Nets of dimension 1m × 1m were placed below the tress of both forests and litter was collected at regular intervals per month and brought to the laboratory for separation into the categories like leaf litter, woody litter (bark), miscellaneous (mixed) and twig. Two types of litterfall such as specific litterfall and standing litterfall were calculated. Environmental factors such as maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed, solar irradiance, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were studied simultaneously followed by correlation and Principal Component Analysis. Results: Pre-monsoon showed the highest total litterfall (specific litterfall and standing litterfall) in both types of forests. The decomposition quotient was higher in the pristine forest than in the urban forest. The correlation between litterfall components and environmental factors showed that solar irradiance was positively correlated with litterfall dynamics. Interpretation: The work emphasizes the forest management of urban areas impacted by industrialization and urbanization. The anthropogenic causes influence the plant growth and litterfall pattern thereby affecting the decomposition process and soil health. The selection of proper tree species should be given priority for social forestry in industrialized zones of India. Key words: Litter decomposition, Seasonal pattern, Solar irradiance, Standing litter, Temperature

Temporal Variation of Litterfall and Nutrient Return of Serianthes nelsonii Merr. in a Tropical Karst Forest

Trees contribute to ecosystem nutrient cycling through the amount, timing, and composition of litterfall. Understanding the nature of this contribution from endangered tree species may aid in species and habitat recovery efforts. Serianthes nelsonii is an endangered tree species from the Mariana Islands, and little is known about litterfall dynamics. The timing of leaf, fruit, and stem litterfall was determined to more fully understand the return of nutrients via litter. The total annual litterfall was 272.8 g·m−2, with 45% represented by leaves, 48% represented by stems, and 7% represented by fruits. Stem litterfall weight contrasted more from month to month than the other organs, and leaf litterfall exhibited the most even distribution throughout the year. The timing of fruit and stem litterfall was influenced by the timing of extreme wind events. Leaf litter contributed nutrients in the following order: carbon > calcium > nitrogen > potassium > magnesium > iron > phosphorus > manganese > boron > zinc > copper. Fruit and stem litter contributed nutrients in the following order: carbon > calcium > nitrogen > magnesium > potassium > phosphorus > iron > manganese > boron > zinc > copper. Based on carbon/nitrogen, the stem litter exhibited the lowest quality and leaf litter exhibited the highest quality for speed of nutrient release via decomposition. Conservationists may use this knowledge to more fully integrate S. nelsonii trees into habitat management plans.

Litterfall dynamics in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and birch (Betula) stands in Estonia

Litterfall dynamics in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and birch (Betula) stands in Estonia

Enhanced leaf turnover and nitrogen recycling sustain CO2 fertilization effect on tree-ring growth.

Whether increased photosynthates under elevated atmospheric CO2 could translate into sustained biomass accumulation in forest trees remains uncertain. Here we demonstrate how tree radial growth is closely linked to litterfall dynamics, which enhances nitrogen recycling to support a sustained effect of CO2 fertilization on tree-ring growth. Our ten-year observations in two alpine treeline forests indicated that annual (or seasonal) stem radial increments generally had a positive relationship with the previous year's (or season's) litterfall and its associated nitrogen return and resorption. Annual tree-ring width, annual litterfall and annual nitrogen return and resorption all showed an increasing trend during 2007-2017, and most of the variations were explained by elevated atmospheric CO2 rather than climate change. Similar patterns were found in the longer time series of tree-ring width index from 1986-2017. The regional representativeness of our observed patterns was confirmed by the literature data of six other tree species at 11 treeline sites over the Tibetan Plateau. Enhanced nitrogen recycling through increased litterfall under elevated atmospheric CO2 supports a general increasing trend of tree-ring growth in recent decades, especially in cold and nitrogen-poor environments.

Variations in Litterfall Dynamics, C:N:P Stoichiometry and Associated Nutrient Return in Pure and Mixed Stands of Camphor Tree and Masson Pine Forests

Litterfall, directly and indirectly, affects the soil physicochemical properties, microbial activity, and diversity of soil fauna and flora by adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil. This study explores litterfall dynamics such as litterfall production, litter decomposition rate, and associated nutrient return in three forest types, that is, camphor tree forest (CTF), Masson pine forest (MPF), and camphor tree and Masson pine mixed forest (CMF), in subtropical China. Results showed that CMF had the highest mean annual litterfall production (4.30 ± 0.22 t ha−1), which was significantly higher than that of MPF (3.41 ± 0.25 t ha−1) and CTF (3.26 ± 0.17 t ha−1). Leaf represented the major fraction of litterfall, constituting over 71% of the total litterfall mass in the three forest types. The contribution of branch litter was 16.3, 8.9, and 16.9%, and miscellaneous litter was 12.6, 18.9, and 11.1% in CTF, MPF, and CMF, respectively. The concentration of macronutrients ranked as N > Ca > K > Mg > P in all litter fractions. The total annual macronutrient return to the soil from the litterfall was in order as CTF (74.2 kg ha−1‧yr−1) > CMF (70.7 kg ha−1‧yr−1) > MPF (33.6 kg ha−1‧yr−1). The decomposition rate was higher in leaf litter than in branch litter throughout the three forests. Among the forest types, the leaf and branch decomposition rates were in a pattern: CTF > CMF > MPF. The ratio of C/N in both leaf and branch litters was significantly higher in MPF than in CTF and CMF, while no significant differences in N/P ratio were found in these litters among the three forests. The high N:P ratios in leaf litter (23/30) and the branch (24/32) litter indicated the high N returning and low nutrient returning to the soil. Our results suggested that the broadleaved forests have faster litter decomposition and higher macronutrient returns than conifer forests. Moreover, the litter decomposition rate was mainly associated with litterfall quality and chemical composition. The introduction of broadleaved trees into monoculture coniferous stands could increase litter production nutrients return, and thus, it had advantages in soil nutrients restoration and sustainable forest management.

Effects of Fertilization and Dry-Season Irrigation on Litterfall Dynamics and Decomposition Processes in Subtropical Eucalyptus Plantations

Nutrient management in Eucalyptus plantations is critical for wood production and sustainable development. The biogeochemical mechanisms in Eucalyptus plantations are not fully understood due to changes in the spatiotemporal pattern of precipitation and plantation management. The nutrients released from litterfall are important sources of soil nutrition. We measured the seasonal production of various litterfall types and the proportions of their released nutrients in Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis plantations under compound fertilization, dry-season irrigation, and a combined compound fertilization and dry-season irrigation treatment. Our results showed that fertilization increased aboveground biomass and annual litterfall production (except leaf), and that the peak of litterfall production occurred in the rainy season. We found that the decomposition rates of leaf were significantly higher than that of twig, which were mainly controlled by stoichiometric characteristics, followed by soil enzyme activity (β-glucosidase, urease, and polyphenol oxidase). Fertilization decreased the carbon: nitrogen ratio and carbon: phosphorus ratio in litter, and increased soil enzyme activities, which accelerates litter decomposition and nutrient release. Dry-season irrigation increased litter decomposition and only affected the proportion of released potassium by changing the carbon: potassium ratio. Fertilization and dry-season irrigation accelerated the nutrient cycle to enhance compensatory growth. These results help to comprehend the effects of forest management on litterfall dynamics and decomposition processes in Eucalyptus plantations with seasonal drought.

Litter dynamics in a seasonally dry forest fragment

Litter decomposition makes possible the nutrient cycling and is a link between vegetation and soil, vital for a healthy forest ecosystem. Although several studies on litter decomposition have been carried out in different regions of Brazil, there are few studies for transitional zones between Cerrado and Caatinga, particularly in the state of Piauí. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the litterfall production, litter composition and decomposition rate in a tropical dry forest fragment located in the southeast region of Piauí, Brazil. Monthly litterfall dynamics were evaluated for one year, by placing litter traps in the center of six forest inventory permanent sample plots, and the decomposition rate was determined by the litterbag technique. Litterfall production was estimated at 4,401.7 kg ha-1 year-1, similar to Caatinga environment values, with the leaves fraction contributing with the highest percentage (64%). On the other hand, litter decomposition rate was estimated at 0.003 g day-1, similar to rates found in Cerrado environments, highlighting the importance to better understand this ecozone litter dynamics. Wind speed had significative correlation with litterfall production. The number of species in the sample plot had highest correlation with the decomposition rate, and the diameter growth rate was the dendrometric variable most correlated to litterfall production.

Temperature and Precipitation Diversely Control Seasonal and Annual Dynamics of Litterfall in a Temperate Mixed Mature Forest, Revealed by Long‐Term Data Analysis

Abstract Litterfall is a good indicator of overall forest functions in forest ecosystems. Globally, forest litterfall has been extensively investigated, however, there is a lack of long‐term data analysis to show the various litterfall components in relation to environmental factors on the monthly and yearly scales. Here, monthly (May–October) and annual (1981–2018) litterfall including leaves, twigs, bark, reproductive, and miscellaneous fractions were collected in a mixed mature Pinus koraiensis forest on Changbai Mountain in Northeast, China, across 30 years. Based on these long‐term litterfall data, we analyzed the seasonal and annual variations in different litterfall fractions and the internal/external drivers. We observed that both the leaf and total litterfall exhibited a strong, similar seasonal pattern, with the highest levels between September and October, and the annual litterfall had an “S‐shaped” increasing pattern from 1981 to 2018. The other litterfall fractions showed distinct monthly and yearly fluctuations across the 30 years. Mean monthly evapotranspiration and temperature (minimum and maximum) were the best predictors for monthly litterfall. By contrast, the models that best predicted the annual litterfall production included mean annual precipitation and mean monthly precipitation and temperature in May and October. Our study, using a unique dataset of detailed long‐term litterfall dynamics, has potentially major significance for enhancing our understanding of the role of climatic factors controlling forest litterfall amount and seasonality in temperate mixed mature forests. This insight is of paramount importance for modeling and estimating soil carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling of temperate forests under climate change.

Litterfall seasonal dynamics and leaf-litter turnover in cocoa agroforests established on past forest lands or savannah

Nutrient cycling in cocoa agroforestry systems (cAFS) is complex and poorly understood. To better understand the mass flow of carbon and nutrients into the soil sub-system under various contexts we quantified the mass flow of litterfall, its composition and seasonal variations in different agroforestry systems in Bokito (Central Cameroon). We studied litterfall dynamics and in situ leaf-litter cycling of cAFS established on past forest lands (F-cAFS) and savannah (S-cAFS). We also studied the decomposition of cocoa and associated tree leaf-litter in litterbags. Local secondary semi-deciduous forests were included as control. Annual litterfall in full-grown cAFS (> 15 years old) was high (9.4 Mg ha−1 y−1) and represented ca. 67% of litterfall in control forests. In full-grown cAFS, associated tree leaf-litter contributed to litterfall the most and ranged between 60 and 70% of the total amount recorded (6.3 Mg ha−1 y−1). The quantities and dynamics of the litter components monitored were similar in full-grown S- and F-cAFS. The microclimate was best buffered in forests and least buffered in young S-cAFS but could not be linked to leaf-litter decomposition. Forest leaf litterfall was higher and tended to cycle faster than total leaf-litter of cAFS, whose decomposition appeared limited by cocoa leaf-litter quality. Our study underlines (i) the critical contribution of associated trees to the nutrient cycle of agroecosystems established on poor soils and, (ii) the ability of farmers to channel associated tree communities towards similar functioning despite different past land-uses.

Litterfall dynamics and soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in the Brazilian palm swamp ecosystems

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the litterfall production, accumulation, decomposition rate and nutrient stocks, and to estimate the soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks in three palm swamp ecosystems with different land use intensities in the Southeast of Brazil.MethodsThree palm swamp ecosystems with different land use intensities were evaluated: Agua Doce (AD), conserved area; Capivara (CV), area with small agricultural practices; and Buriti Grosso (BG), area with an intensive land use. Produced and accumulated litterfall from the Cerrado areas surrounding the palm swamps were collected from October 2014 to September 2015, and the Ca, Mg, K, and P concentrations were determined in the dry and rainy seasons. Soil samples were collected in the surrounding Cerrado and within the palm swamps until 100 cm soil depth to determine bulk density and soil C and N contents and stocks.ResultsAnnual litterfall production in the Cerrado surrounding palm swamps was similar in AD (3.58 Mg·ha− 1·year− 1) and CV (3.79 Mg·ha− 1·year− 1), and was lower in BG (2.84 Mg·ha− 1·year− 1), and was more intense during the dry season. Furthermore, litterfall accumulation was higher in CV (7.12 Mg·ha− 1·year− 1) and BG (6.75 Mg·ha− 1·year− 1), culminating in lower decomposition rates. AD showed the highest decomposition rate (0.60) due to its vegetation structure and conservation. The macronutrient contents from the production and accumulated litterfall had a low influence of the land use, decreasing in the following order: Ca > K > Mg > P. Soils in CV and BG palm swamp areas showed higher values of C and N contents, due to the use of land for agricultural crops and cattle raising in an extensive (rangeland) system. The BG palm swamp, showed the highest C (124.03 Mg·ha− 1) and N (10.54 Mg·ha− 1) stocks due to the land use history with different agricultural practices over time.ConclusionsThe litterfall dynamics in the Cerrado surrounding palm swamps was more affected by climatic variables than the intensity of land use, but the litter decomposition was more accelerated in the conserved area. Anthropic interventions with soil organic matter (SOM) inputs contributed to an increase in soil C and N stocks in the palm swamp ecosystems.

Litterfall dynamics along a successional gradient in a Brazilian tropical dry forest

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the influence of soil traits, vegetation structure and climate on litterfall dynamics along a successional gradient in a tropical dry forest (TDF) in southeastern Brazil. We used a chronosequence design consisting of three successional stages (early, intermediate, and old-growth) defined based on forest age and vertical and horizontal structures.MethodsLitterfall was recorded monthly for three years in 12 plots of 50 × 20 m (four plots per stage) where vegetation parameters (species richness, basal area, density and height for trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm) and soil chemical and physical traits were previously obtained. We placed eight 0.5-m2 litter traps in each plot, totalling 96 traps. Samples were sorted into leaves, twigs, reproductive parts, and debris.ResultsLitterfall mass was composed mainly of leaves and varied slightly among years (4 to 4.5 Mg∙ha− 1), within the range observed for other TDFs. Annual litterfall mass was higher at the old-growth forest than at the early and intermediate forest stages and this successional pattern was driven by vegetation characteristics (forest structural parameters and plant functional groups) and soil traits related to water-holding capacity. Litter amount in the intermediate stage was lower than expected for its forest structure (and similar to the early stage), possibly because its higher soil clay content increased the water holding capacity and leaf retention during the dry season. Seasonal variations in monthly litterfall were strongly driven by forest deciduousness and affected by climatic factors related to water availability. This pattern was consistent across the successional gradient, although differences for each litterfall component were observed.ConclusionsOur results suggest that litter production in the studied TDF is influenced by multiple factors along succession, such as above-ground biomass and the degree of leaf retention mediated by soil water-holding capacity. Further studies on community phenological patterns can allow a better understanding of successional changes on litterfall and how fast this fundamental function recovers in secondary forests.

Interactions between Climate and Nutrient Cycles on Forest Response to Global Change: The Role of Mixed Forests

Forest ecosystems are undergoing unprecedented changes in environmental conditions due to global change impacts. Modification of global biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen, and the subsequent climate change are affecting forest functions at different scales, from physiology and growth of individual trees to cycling of nutrients. This review summarizes the present knowledge regarding the impact of global change on forest functioning not only with respect to climate change, which is the focus of most studies, but also the influence of altered nitrogen cycle and the interactions among them. The carbon dioxide (CO2) fertilization effect on tree growth is expected to be constrained by nutrient imbalances resulting from high N deposition rates and the counteractive effect of increasing water deficit, which interact in a complex way. At the community level, responses to global change are modified by species interactions that may lead to competition for resources and/or relaxation due to facilitation and resource partitioning processes. Thus, some species mixtures can be more resistant to drought than their respective pure forests, albeit it depends on environmental conditions and species’ functional traits. Climate change and nitrogen deposition have additional impacts on litterfall dynamics, and subsequent decomposition and nutrient mineralization processes. Elemental ratios (i.e., stoichiometry) are associated with important ecosystem traits, including trees’ adaptability to stress or decomposition rates. As stoichiometry of different ecosystem components are also influenced by global change, nutrient cycling in forests will be altered too. Therefore, a re-assessment of traditional forest management is needed in order to cope with global change. Proposed silvicultural systems emphasize the key role of diversity to assure multiple ecosystem services, and special attention has been paid to mixed-species forests. Finally, a summary of the patterns and underlying mechanisms governing the relationships between diversity and different ecosystems functions, such as productivity and stability, is provided.