Based on the investigation and analysis of plot data

the community characteristics and litter hydrological effects of Quercus liaotungensis

Pinus tabulaeformis

and Pinus tabulaeformis f.shekannesis forests in Ziwuling region were studied preliminarily. Results from the study show that (1) the Quercus liaotungensis forest in Ziwuling Mountains is the single-priority community in general. The Pinus tabulaeformis forest and Pinus tabulaeformis f.shekannesis forest in Ziwuling Mountains are the single-priority community mixing with a small number of broad-leaved species. (2) The Pinus tabulaeformis species are abundant and evenly distributed

Pinus tabulaeformis f.shekannesis forest has the smallest species

and the plant diversity indexes of tree layer

shrub layer

and herbage layer are in the order from low to high. (3) The litter of Quercus liaotungensis forest accounted to 32.65 t/hm2; the litter of Pinus tabulaeformis forest

48.95 t/hm2; and the litter of Pinus tabulaeformis f.shekannesis forest

47.30 t/hm2. (4) The maximum water holding capabilities of the Quercus liaotungensis litter

Pinus tabulaeformis litter

and Pinus tabulaeformis f.shekannesis litter are 50.93

70.15

and 61.68 t/hm2

respectively.