Combined effects of multifactor climate change and land-use on decomposition in temperate grassland

► Only six weeks of drought during an 11 months period reduce decomposition in temperate grassland. ► Winter warming and additional winter rain do not affect decomposition. ► Reduction of decomposition under drought is due to a reduction of biotic activity during drought. ► More frequent cutting stimulates decomposition due to changes in leaf chemicals (lower C/N ratio). ► Under drought, the stimulating effect of cutting on decomposition is absent.