Litter decomposition and phosphorus release in an oak forest ecosystem

Study on the litter decomposition and phosphorus release in an oak (Quercus variabilis ) forest ecosystem was made by means of decomposition date obtained from litter bag in Jiangsu Province The mathematical models of litter weight residual rate with decomposition duraton were set up , and also the half declining and 95 % declining times were estimated .The main results showed that the order for annual decomposition rate of litter weight was fine roots medium-diameter roots fallen leaves withered branches thick roots , while the order for annual release rate of phosphorus was fine roots medium-diameter roots withered branches fallen leaves thick roots . Results also showed that temperature , moisture content and microorganism were the main factors to influence litter decomposition .