Abstract:
This report describes decomposition studies conducted in the H. J. Andrews
Forest, Oregon in 1973. Changes in weight loss and nutrient content of
leaves, cones, branches, and bark of Douglas-fir and leaves of big-leaf
maple, vine maple, Rhododendron, red alder, sword fern Oregon oak, and
Chinkapin were recorded in a variety of habitats ranging from wet, to dry.
Weight loss is related to the moisture content of the forest floor and
percent lignin content of the material. Decomposition is slowed in the
dry summer months, and there are differences in weight loss of substrates
between habitat types.
