Dynamics of litterfall production of moso bamboo plantations after the 2008 ice storm

To assess the effects of the 2008 ice storm on litterfall production (LP) of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) plantations, three plots were established respectively at low elevation site (350 m asl) and high elevation site (650 m asl) in June, 2008 at Mount Dagangshan, Jiangxi Province. Based on the survey during the period from June, 2008 to December, 2010, we concluded: (1) the accumulated litterfall production of moso bamboo plantations during the period of 31 monthes was estimated to be 4385.8 kg•ha, with a monthly average of 141.5 kg•ha. Litterfall production in on-year (2009) was 1.5 times of the amount in off-year (2010). Dued to the 2008 ice storm, the year of 2008 had a lower litterfall production than the year of 2010. Compared with the period between June and December of 2008, litterfall production at high and low elevation increased by 18.81% and 31.97% in the same period of 2010, respectively. (2) ANOVA analysis for independent sample (TABLE II.) showed that the difference of litterfall production between 350 m asl and 650 m asl was not significant (P>0.05). (3) There existed large fluctuation in litterfall production among different months. Generally speaking, litterfall production were relatively high during the period from April to June. And the low amount appeared in January, February and December.