Releasing dynamics of phenolic acid during Zanthoxylum bungeanum litter decomposition (0、10、30 and 60 days) and the effects of its aqueous extract on soil chemical properties were investigated using the litter bag method. The results showed an occurrence of phytotoxicity with clear dynamic patterns during Zanthoxylum bungeanum litter decomposition. The change of remaining litter weight was the largest in the earlier 30 days during 60-day litter decomposition, and there was no significant difference in subsequent 30 days. The phenolic acid content of litter was significantly reduced with the decomposition time prolonging, and the releasing quantity of phenolic acid was the highest at the tenth day. The amounts of soil Aerobic azotobacter, Ammonifier and Aerobic cellulose-decomposer and the soil chemical properties such as pH, phenolic acid content, NH+4-N and available phosphorus were significantly affected by the litter aqueous extract of four decomposition stages. The pH value in soil was significantly increased in litter aqueous extract of four decomposition stages. The NH+4-N concentration was significantly decreased in soil amended with litter aqueous extract of 10-day decomposition which promoted the growth of Aerobic azotobacter and Ammonifier but inhibited the growth of Aerobic cellulose-decomposer. Available phosphorus concentration was significantly increased and phenolic acid content was significantly decreased in soil amended with litter aqueous extract of 60-day decomposition which inhibited the growth of Aerobic azotobacter but promoted the growth of Aerobic cellulose-decomposer.