Recent studies suggest the long-standing discrepancy between measured and modeled leaf litter
decomposition in drylands is, in part, the result of a unique combination of abiotic drivers that include
high soil surface temperature and radiant energy levels and soil-litter mixing. Temperature and radiant
energy effects on litter decomposition have been widely documented. However, under field conditions in
drylands where soil-litter mixing occurs and accelerates decomposition, the mechanisms involved with
soil-litter mixing effects are ambiguous.