IntroductionNutrient cycling in agricultural systems has a major role in soil system functioning and primary production. Organic matter decomposition is a crucial process affecting the nutrient quantity and quality in agricultural soils.MethodsHere, we evaluated the effects of soil physical and chemical parameters on litter decomposition rates (k) and stabilization factors (S) on different land use types and slope positions, using the Tea Bag Index (TBI). Within an agricultural catchment, 16 points from six research sites (a cropland, 3 vineyards with varying inter-row management or slope angles, a grassland, and a forest) were studied.ResultsStabilization factor was associated with soil texture, while decomposition rate was weakly related to the measured soil physicochemical properties. Our results showed that sand content strongly influenced the S factors of the soil (r = 0.63), such that higher sand content associated with higher S values. The Vineyard_2G site with grassed inter-row had the highest, while the cropland had the lowest overall S values (0.400 and 0.161, respectively), with most land use types showing significant differences among them. Decomposition rates did not differ significantly among slope positions within land use types, except in grassland. In contrast, S varied significantly among both land use types and slope positions.ConclusionOur results indicate that short-term litter stabilization and long-term SOC accumulation represent complementary but distinct aspects of soil carbon dynamics. These findings provide evidence that incorporating both land use and topographic context is essential for accurately assessing soil carbon cycling and developing effective strategies for soil carbon conservation.