Ecological stoichiometry links biogeochemistry to ecosystem functioning by analyzing elemental ratios (C:N:P) in terrestrial ecosystems. This review highlights how resource stoichiometry influences soil microorganisms and decomposition, particularly in heterotrophic microbial communities. Key findings include: (1) Latitudinal gradients in soil and litter stoichiometry reflect microbial community structure and function. (2) Resource stoichiometry affects microbial interactions and nutrient availability feedbacks. (3) Global change alters C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in primary producers, impacting microbial decomposers and ecosystem services like soil fertility. Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework to predict these effects across scales. Microbial decomposition of plant detritus is influenced by litter quality, climate, and decomposer communities. Leaf litter decomposes faster than wood, with global mean k values of 0.58 g·g⁻¹·yr⁻¹ for leaf litter and 0.05–0.1 g·g⁻¹·yr⁻¹ for dead wood. Litter quality, including chemical and structural traits, significantly affects decomposition rates. Nutrient concentrations, particularly N and P, strongly influence decomposition rates, often more than stoichiometric ratios. Structural and chemical parameters are tightly related, with leaf litter traits like mass loss and lignin content affecting decomposition rates. Microbial communities exhibit stoichiometric homeostasis, adjusting element use efficiency and extracellular enzyme production to meet elemental demands. The threshold elemental ratio (TER) determines when microbial metabolism shifts from energy (C) to nutrient (N or P) limitation. TER varies based on microbial homeostasis and external resource supply. For terrestrial decomposers, TER_C:N is around 23–47, while TER_C:P for forest floor organic matter is 1420. Litter decomposition is often N or P limited, with TER_N:P ranging between 20 and 33. These findings highlight the importance of stoichiometric balance in microbial carbon and nutrient cycling, influencing nutrient availability and ecosystem functioning.Ecological stoichiometry links biogeochemistry to ecosystem functioning by analyzing elemental ratios (C:N:P) in terrestrial ecosystems. This review highlights how resource stoichiometry influences soil microorganisms and decomposition, particularly in heterotrophic microbial communities. Key findings include: (1) Latitudinal gradients in soil and litter stoichiometry reflect microbial community structure and function. (2) Resource stoichiometry affects microbial interactions and nutrient availability feedbacks. (3) Global change alters C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in primary producers, impacting microbial decomposers and ecosystem services like soil fertility. Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework to predict these effects across scales. Microbial decomposition of plant detritus is influenced by litter quality, climate, and decomposer communities. Leaf litter decomposes faster than wood, with global mean k values of 0.58 g·g⁻¹·yr⁻¹ for leaf litter and 0.05–0.1 g·g⁻¹·yr⁻¹ for dead wood. Litter quality, including chemical and structural traits, significantly affects decomposition rates. Nutrient concentrations, particularly N and P, strongly influence decomposition rates, often more than stoichiometric ratios. Structural and chemical parameters are tightly related, with leaf litter traits like mass loss and lignin content affecting decomposition rates. Microbial communities exhibit stoichiometric homeostasis, adjusting element use efficiency and extracellular enzyme production to meet elemental demands. The threshold elemental ratio (TER) determines when microbial metabolism shifts from energy (C) to nutrient (N or P) limitation. TER varies based on microbial homeostasis and external resource supply. For terrestrial decomposers, TER_C:N is around 23–47, while TER_C:P for forest floor organic matter is 1420. Litter decomposition is often N or P limited, with TER_N:P ranging between 20 and 33. These findings highlight the importance of stoichiometric balance in microbial carbon and nutrient cycling, influencing nutrient availability and ecosystem functioning.