Litter Fall and Decomposition in Stands of Mature Pinus radiata

Abstract

Rates of litter fall in mature stands of Pinus radiata D. Don have been monitored at the Jonkershoek Forestry Research Station since 1976. Decomposition trials were laid out in June 1977. Litter fall has been collected on six sites in the Bosboukloof experimental catchment, subdivided into its constituent components, and each component examined for production and annual variation. Total annual litter fall for Bosboukloof is estimated at 3 721 kg/ha. Of this, needle fall constitutes 2 645 kg/ha or 71%. Seasonality of some components is very marked but difficult to express quantitatively. An harmonic analysis on needle fall is included.