Influence of litter chemistry and stoichiometry on glucan depolymerization during decomposition of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) litter

► We studied effects of litter stoichiometry and chemistry on glucan decomposition. ► A mesocosm experiment of litter decomposition was conducted over 6 months. ► Glucan decomposition was enzyme-limited and was promoted in high N litter. ► Substrates of glucan decomposition shifted from starch to cellulose with time.