Abstract: The aim of this research is to study the hydrologic properties of forest litters in the headwaters area of Chongyi Hakka terrace and further reveal the water conservation function of forest.The reserve,water-holding ratio, water-holding capacity and water-absorption rate of forest litters were examined based on field investigation, sampling and laboratory analysis. Results manifested that the total thickness of litters in the studied field forest ranged from 3.0 to 8.6 cm; the total reserve was between 3.29 and 13.19 t/hm², which increased with the thickening of the litters; the maximum water-holding ratio ranged from 239.65% to 343.54%, implying that the largest amount of absorbed water was 2.4-3.4 times of its dry weight; the maximum water-holding capacity was 5.58-12.32 t/hm², equivalent to 0.56-1.23 mm rainfall depth. The absorption amount of water surged in the first two hours of immersion; as time passed, the water-holding capacity and water-absorption rate changed gently. By nonlinear regression fitting, the relationship between water-holding capacity and immersion time could be described by logarithmic function, and the relationship between water-absorption rate and immersion time could be described by power function. The research findings offer scientific basis for regional forest types adjustment and water conservation function monitoring.

Key words: forest litter, hydrological effect, water-holding capacity, effective interception capacity, water-absorption rate, Chongyi Hakka terrace