From a water conservation perspective

the cumulated mass(CM)and water-holding characteristics of litter were studied at different thinning intensities of Larix principis-rupprechtii forest in Xiaowutai Mountains based on field investigation and indoor experiment.Results showed that there were significant differences in the CM of different layers(un-decomposed and half-decomposed)before and after thinning.The ratio of the un-decomposed layer to the CM was smaller than the half-decomposed before thinning

but contrary after thinning.In all the sample plots

the CM and the maximal water holding capacity(MWHC) varied in the same order of light thinning>control>medium thinning>heavy thinning>super-strong thinning.There were significant differences in the CM and MWHC at different thinning intensities(p <0.01)

but insignificant differences in the maximal water holding rate(p >0.05).The modified interception rate showed the maximum of 162.41t/hm2 at the thinning intensity of 600 plants/hm2(reserved trees)

which was equivalent to 16.241mm precipitation.