Decomposition of litter and the dynamics of the major elements in litter in Taihang Mountainous area were studied by using litterbag method.Results showed that mass losses of different vegetation types were different,which was in the order of Robinia pseudoacaciaPunica granatum LLeptodermis oblonga shrub bushesVitex negundo shrub bushesgrass.The changes of mass losses during decomposition were consistent with temperature and rainfall.During decomposition,there were significant net releases of K,Mn,and N,while a significant net accumulation of Na.Ca was firstly accumulated and then released,while Zn and P were firstly released and then accumulated.By the release rate of the elements from litter after 12 months of decomposition,the elements were in the order of KNMgPMnZnNaCa.K had the maximum amount of nutrient returned in the process of litter decomposition,while the amount of Ca was negative.By the amount of nutrient returned,the elements were in the order of KPMgMnNZnNaCa.According to soil nutrient analysis,the change of each element content in soil accorded with the nutrient returned of litter.