Studies on the amount of litter fall in a deciduous broad-leaved forest in relation to the part of slope were carried out at Sanbe Forest of Shimane University.
1. The seasonal change of total litter fall showed the pattern of the deciduous broad leaved forest that litter falled concentrically at autumn. Total litter concentrated in October at the lower and middle parts, and did in November at the upper part and ridge top.
2. The seasonal change of leaf and needle litter fall showed a peak in October or November. The leaf fall time was varied with tree species. Twig litter was influenced by typhoon and showed a peak at August. Flower and seed litter showed the seasonal variation in accord with the flowering time time and fruiting time. Other component litter had no seasonal trend.
3. The amounts of annual litter fall were 5.12-6.66 ton/ha, but they had no relation to the part of slope.
4. The percentage of leaf litter to total litter was higher at the lower part of slope than the upper part. On the contrary, the percentage of needles became higher with ascending slope. That of twig litter was not different with the part of slope. Those of bark litter, flower and seed litter were greater at the upper part and smaller at the lower part. Other component litters had no trend with the part of slope.