This study investigated water-holding characteristics of Pinus tabulaeformis and Larix princpis forest litter found in Mulan-Weichang National forest farm. The results show that in the Pinus tabulaefor-mis and Larix princpis forests

the litter was as thick as 6.1 and 4.0 cm

with total water holding capacity of 33.93 and 43.16 t/hm2

absorbed water contents of 268.10 g and 157.54 g(measured after 24 h immer-sion)

and effective interception capacity of 30.07 and 57.56 t/hm2

respectively. The litters of Pinus tabu-laeformis and Larix princpis showed similar water-holding capacity

water absorption rate and soaking time. Overall

the relationship between litter water-holding capacity and soaking time was described well with a logarithmic curve

and that between the water absorption rate and soaking time was fitted well with a power function. The water absorption rate was fastest in the initial 0-4 h

decreased gradually in 4-8 h after immersion

and the water content reached its maximum water-holding capacity after 10 h.