Abstract: Effects of litter depth and type, and seed-sowing position on the germination of four canopy species, Cinnamomum camphora, Castanopsis fargesii, Camptotheca acuminate and Diospyros morrisiana, were investigated to study influences of bamboo leaf litter on forest regeneration. The results showed that the seed-sowing position had a significant influence on the germination and seedling emergence of all the species. Effects of litter depth and litter type on the germination varied with trees species. Seeds sown on the litter surface had much lower germination rate or failed to germination. Seeds under litter cover had higher germination rate and shorter germination time. The germination rate was higher, but emergence rate and finally seedling emergence rate were lower under the bamboo leaf litter compared with under canopy trees litters. This study showed that bamboo leaf litter cover could increase seedling mortality and significantly influence the seedling mortality rate of deciduous. Bamboo leaf litter would reduce forest species diversity and consequently affect forest structure and dynamics of forest succession.

Key words: leaf litter, seed germination, Cinnamomum camphora, Castanopsis fargesii, Camptotheca acuminata, Diospyros morrisiana