Ecosystem element balance has been a main focus of global change ecology and biogeochemical cycle research. This paper first introduces progresses in ecological stoichiometry and carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. Then application of C∶N∶P stoichiometry in nutrient limitation, biogeochemical cycle, forest succession and degraded land is reviewed, especially in the fields of distribution characteristics, indication role, effect on carbon sequestration and human activity influence on soil C∶N∶P ratio. We also discuss future research directions in ecological stoichiometry. The development of ecological stoichiometry theory and research method can help us better understand nutrient controlling factors of plant-litter-soil interaction. It is more important to reveal interaction among carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in order to provide insight and theoretial foundation for alleviation of greenhouse effects.