Short Communication: Litterfall in riparian and ajacent forest zones near perennial upland stream in the Australian Capital Territory

Abstract

Litterfall into Lees Creek from eucalypt-dominated riparian vegetation and litterfall in adjacent eucalypt forest was measured monthly for 2.5 years. Mean annual litterfall for riparian vegetation was 4.52 t ha^-1, of which overstorey leaf fall accounted for 44%, understorey leaf fall 12.5%, twigs 16.75%, bark 12% and miscellaneous material 14.75%. Mean annual litterfall in adjacent forest was 4.20 t ha^-1, of which overstorey leaf fall accounted for 52.3%, understorey leaf fall 2.9%, twigs 18%, bark 12% and miscellaneous material 14.8%. More than 50% of all litterfall occurred from December to March with leaf fall the largest component (60-70%) during this period. Minimum litterfall was in winter with twigs contributing up to 40% of total litterfall during this period. Timing of litterfall into Lees Creek and the adjacent forest is similar to litterfall in other Australian forests and to litterfall from sclerophyllous vegetation into streams of the south-western Cape of South Africa.