[Objective] The differences in litter water-holding characteristics of different plantation types were investigated to provide scientific basis for understanding the forest hydrological cycles and its management in study area.[Methods] Larix principis-rupprechtii and Betula platyphylla plantations in Chongli mountain of Zhangjiakou City were chosen in this study. We established standard plots under the two forest types. The depth and storage of the litter layer were measured and water-holding characteristics of litter were measured using immersion method.[Results] The litter was as thick as 4.2 cm and 3.4 cm and the total litter volume was 10.90 t/hm2and 4.92 t/hm2 in the L. principis-rupprechtii and B. platyphylla plantations

respectively. The maximum water holding capacity(measured after 24 h immersion) of litter layer in L. principis-rupprechtii and B. platyphylla were 4 228.5 g/kg and 5 208.6 g/kg

and the corresponding effective water holding capacity were 14.06 t/hm2 and 8.85 t/hm2

respectively. During the whole water holding process

the water holding capacity

absorption and the immersed time change with same trend

they were superior to the rest of time in the first 4 hours and the water holding capacity reached saturation after 10 h immersion. In addition

the relationship between litter water holding capacity and immersed time followed a logarithmic curve

and that between the water absorption rate and immersed time was fitted well with a power function.[Conclusion] Hydrological function of forest litter is regulated by both litter storage and water-holding capacity. Some factors

such as species composition and stand density

should be considered in forest management.