Abstract: Understanding waterholding characteristics of litter of different water conservation forests in the low mountainous areas of eastern Liaoning can provide theoretical basis for construction and management of water conservation forests. In June 2018, we investigated the thickness and stock volume of litter in pure forests (Larix olgensis, Pinus tabuliformis, P. koraiensis, Robinia pseudoacacia) and a mixed forest in stateowned Wendao Forest Farm of Fushun County, Liaoning Province. The maximum waterholding capacity, maximum waterholding rate and other indices were measured by soaking method. The relationship between waterholding capacity, water absorption rate and soaking time of litter was established. The results showed that: (1) The thickness of litter layer in five stands ranged from 3.6 to 7.8 cm, with an average value of 6.2 cm. The stock volume of litter was between 15.40 and 50.38 t·hm^-2, with an average value of 30.42 t·hm^-2. (2) The maximum waterholding capacity was between 13.61 and 27.21 t·hm^-2, with a rank of mixed forest>L. olgensisforest >R. pseudoacacia forest >P. koraiensis forest >P. tabuliformis forest. The maximum waterholding rate changed slightly, with the order of R. pseudoacacia forest >L. olgensisforest >mixed forest>P. koraiensis forest >P. tabuliformis forest. (3) The effective water storage capacity of litter was between 19.60 and 142.67 t·hm^-2, with an order of L. olgensisforest >P. koraiensisforest >mixed forest>R. pseudoacaciaforest >P. tabuliformisforest. (4) The relationship between waterholding capacity and soaking time fitted well with equation as Q=alnt+b, with correlation coefficient (R²) greater than 0.80. The relationship between water absorption rate and soaking time followed equation as V=ctn, with R² over 0.99. In conclusion, litter volume, waterholding capacity, and effective water storage capacity of L. olgensis forest and P. koraiensisforest were the highest, followed by R. pseudoacacia forest and mixed forest, P. tabuliformis forest was the worst.

Key words: aquatic animal, stable isotope, enrichment factor, metaanalysis.