The application of ecological stoichiometry to plant–microbial–soil organic matter transformations explores the link between elemental stoichiometry and ecosystem processes. The review highlights the effects of resource stoichiometry on soil microorganisms and decomposition, particularly on the structure and function of heterotrophic microbial communities. Key findings include: 1. **Latitudinal Gradients**: Soil and litter stoichiometry gradients reflect in microbial community structure and function, with higher N:P ratios in tropical regions due to decreasing plant P availability. 2. **Resource Stoichiometry and Microbial Interactions**: Resource stoichiometry influences microbial interactions and community dynamics, leading to feedbacks in nutrient availability. 3. **Global Change Impact**: Global changes alter C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in primary producers, affecting microbial decomposer communities and ecosystem services like soil fertility. 4. **Ecological Stoichiometry Framework**: Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework to analyze and predict global change effects at various scales, aiding in the understanding of nutrient limitation and ecosystem dynamics. The review also discusses the role of different plant materials (leaves, litter, and roots) in decomposition rates and the importance of stoichiometric ratios in controlling these processes. It emphasizes the impact of microbial physiology on soil organic matter formation and chemistry, and the feedback mechanisms between resource stoichiometry and microbial communities.The application of ecological stoichiometry to plant–microbial–soil organic matter transformations explores the link between elemental stoichiometry and ecosystem processes. The review highlights the effects of resource stoichiometry on soil microorganisms and decomposition, particularly on the structure and function of heterotrophic microbial communities. Key findings include: 1. **Latitudinal Gradients**: Soil and litter stoichiometry gradients reflect in microbial community structure and function, with higher N:P ratios in tropical regions due to decreasing plant P availability. 2. **Resource Stoichiometry and Microbial Interactions**: Resource stoichiometry influences microbial interactions and community dynamics, leading to feedbacks in nutrient availability. 3. **Global Change Impact**: Global changes alter C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in primary producers, affecting microbial decomposer communities and ecosystem services like soil fertility. 4. **Ecological Stoichiometry Framework**: Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework to analyze and predict global change effects at various scales, aiding in the understanding of nutrient limitation and ecosystem dynamics. The review also discusses the role of different plant materials (leaves, litter, and roots) in decomposition rates and the importance of stoichiometric ratios in controlling these processes. It emphasizes the impact of microbial physiology on soil organic matter formation and chemistry, and the feedback mechanisms between resource stoichiometry and microbial communities.