Litter Accumulation in Four Plant Communities in the Dismal Swamp, Virginia

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Abstract
Marshes and swamps are reported to exhibit the largest accumulation of litter among world ecosystems. Litter accumulations were quantified in 4 plant communities in the Great Dismal Swamp, Virginia. The 4 communities differed by species compositions and extent of flooding. Woody litter ranged from a minimum of 8428 kg/ha in the mixed hardwood community to a maximum of 50,147 kg/ha in the Atlantic white cedar [Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) BSP.] community. The ranking of communities based on quantity of 01 leaf litter in Dec. was reversed with 4028 kg/ha in the cedar community and 5484 kg/ha in the mixed hardwood community. Intermediate values were obtained for the red maple-gum (Acer rubrum L.-Nyssa spp.) and cypress [Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard] communities. Leaf litter pools decreased from Dec.-Aug. in all 4 communities. The general trend for community totals and most species was leaf biomass > maximum leaf litter standing pools > peak leaf fall. The dynamics of the Dismal Swamp litter layer are only partially defined but a study of decomposition rates and litter fall in progress should clarify the picture.

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