AimsFoliar nutrient resorption is a critical process for considerations of ecosystem nutrient cycles. Previous studies have described the independent effects of climatic factors, plant and soil nutrient status on nutrient resorption. However, little is known about the comprehensive effects of these factors on nutrient resorption, especially based on observations in situ.MethodsIn a semi-arid grassland of the Loess Plateau, China, we conducted an eight-year field survey and sampled leaves and soils separately in 2013, 2016, and 2020. We explored interannual variation in foliar nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE, including nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiency, i.e., NRE and PRE) and the driving factors in graminoids and forbs.ResultsThe NuRE in graminoids varied significantly, but in forbs varied insignificantly among years, indicating a more flexible nutrient resorption strategy in graminoids. Further, climatic variables showed stronger effects on NuRE than soil nutrients. Specifically, growing-season temperature and precipitation controlled NuRE of graminoids and forbs by regulating green leaf N:P ratio ([N:P]g), while soil nutrients did not affect NuRE. The regulation of [N:P]g on NuRE was explained by foliar stoichiometric control in which N and P were resorbed proportionally with [N:P]g. Meanwhile, the positive relationships between NRE and PRE and between NRE:PRE and [N:P]g confirmed stoichiometric control on NuRE.ConclusionOur findings suggested that growing season hydro-thermal factors affected the interannual variations of NuRE through a foliar stoichiometric control strategy. Meanwhile, more NuRE plasticity and positive responses to climatic factors in graminoids (the dominant group here) could explain their dominance in this grassland.