The Decay Map and Turnover Cycles of Litters in Korea

An investigation was performed to draw the decy map of litters on the floors of pine and oak forests in Korea and to reveal the turnover cycles of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in litters. Isodecay constant lines of litter organic matter, which are depended upon the altitude, latitude and orientation, were drawn on the Korean map. The decay constants of organic matter of litters were higher in the broadleaf tree forests than in the needleleaf tree forests, and in the grasslands than in the forests. The amount of mineral nutrients such as N, P, K, Ca and Mg returned annually to soils is higher in the broadleaf tree forests than in the needle leaf tree forests, and highest in the Quercus mongolica forest of the forests.