Abstract: Humus form refers to the surface soil strongly influenced by organic matter, which corresponds to organic layer and its underlying organic-mineral layer in the soil profile surface sequence. It is controlled by climatic, geological and hydrological conditions and formed in the interaction of vegetation and soil. The humus form is at the central of the ecosystem, which is the strategic choice of ecosystem development and succession. The study of humus forms is of great significance for food production, soil management and environmental monitoring. Based on the analysis of humus forms and its influencing factors and classification system, this review summarized the indicative role of humus form in the structure and function of ecosystem, and put forward the research prospect. This review will provide a new perspective for the in-depth study of soil biology and ecology in China.