抄録
To assess the importance of microbial biomass in determining the litter decomposition rate, we investigated the relation between microbial biomass, respiration rate and chemical properties of the L and F+H layers. Samples were collected from three forests dominated by different tree species: Quercus serrata; Pinus densiflora; and Cryptomeria japonica. A significant correlation was observed between microbial biomass and respiration rate, but metabolic quotients (respiration rate per unit biomass) of samples differed significantly among forests. Microbial biomass was positively correlated with acidsoluble sugar or cellulose content.
