Decomposition of litter and the dynamics of the major elements in litter in Taihang Mountainous area were studied by using litterbag method.Results showed that mass losses of different vegetation types were different

which was in the order of Robinia pseudoacaciaPunica granatum LLeptodermis oblonga shrub bushesVitex negundo shrub bushesgrass.The changes of mass losses during decomposition were consistent with temperature and rainfall.During decomposition

there were significant net releases of K

Mn

and N

while a significant net accumulation of Na.Ca was firstly accumulated and then released

while Zn and P were firstly released and then accumulated.By the release rate of the elements from litter after 12 months of decomposition

the elements were in the order of KNMgPMnZnNaCa.K had the maximum amount of nutrient returned in the process of litter decomposition

while the amount of Ca was negative.By the amount of nutrient returned

the elements were in the order of KPMgMnNZnNaCa.According to soil nutrient analysis

the change of each element content in soil accorded with the nutrient returned of litter.