Research on of Litterfall Production of Eucalyptus Globulus Plantation

Abstract

Based on field investigation and lab analysis, litter production and season dynamic in the different ages of Eucalyptus plantation (2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002) were studied in this paper. Based on litter collection during 1 years, the annual litter production was estimated to be 2797 kg•hm-2, 4489 kg•hm-2, 3098 kg•hm-2 and 3692 kg.hm-2 for 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Variance analysis showed that the difference of the litter production of the eucalyptus plantation between 2006 and 2003, 2005 reached the extremely significantly level (p<0.01). Monthly litter production showed seasonal dynamics to some extent. There were two peaks for 2006 and 2002, with occurring in April, September and, February and April respectively and three peaks for 2004 and 2003, with occurring in in February, April and June. But there was only one peak appearing in June. Synthetically, the litter production of 2006, 2002 achieved maximum in April accounting for 13.50% and 28.09% of the total but 2005, 2004 and 2003 achieved in June accounting for 23.83%, 21.33% and 19.23% respectively. Fallen leaves accounted for 84.86%~90.04% of the total litter, droppings for 5.01%-6.70%, branches for 2.95%-4.52%, barks for 2.64%-3.62%, and fruits for 0.00%-0.55%%.