Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction.- 
Chapter 2 Decomposition as a process: Some main features.- 
Chapter 3 Decomposer organisms.- 
Chapter 4 Initial litter chemical composition.- 
Chapter 5 Changes in substrate composition during decomposition.- 
Chapter 6 Chemical constituents as rate regulating: Initial variation and changes during decomposition.- 
Chapter 7 Climatic environment.- Chapter 8 Decomposition of fine root and woody root litter.- 
Chapter 9 Decomposition of woody litter and cones.- 
Chapter 10 Models that describe litter decomposition and influences on decomposition patterns.- Chapter 11 Influences on stable litter fractions and carbon sequestration in organic layers.- 
Chapter 12 Carbon sequestration rates on a regional scale.- 
Appendix I Terminology and definitions.- 
Appendix II Comments to design of litter-bag experiments and some calculations.- 
Appendix III Short overview to some new analytical methods to main organic components in litter with focus on lignin.- 
Appendix IV Scientific names on vascular plants.