Effect of habitat and substrate quality on Douglas fir litter decomposition in western Oregon

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Abstract
Linear regression models were developed for Douglas fir needle, female cone, branch and bark decomposition in 7 stands representing 4 mature vegetation types in western Oregon, [USA]. Rate constants (k) for annual weight loss of needles ranged from 0.22-0.31/yr, 0.047-0.083/yr for cones, 0.059-0.089/yr for branches and 0.005-0.040/yr for bark. The decomposition constant (k) of needles had a negative linear correlation (P < 0.01) with maximum plant moisture stress and temperature growth index of the 7 stands. In comparing substrate quality of needle and woody litter components, k was more closely correlated with lignin content than with C:N ratio.