Plant litter

Scattering is the inventory of waste vegetation, largely undecomposed rests the soil surface, where it forms the scattering layer. Scattering layers are found mainly where there is no agronomic management takes place, both in the forest and in other vegetation formations such as abandoned grasslands. The scattering is the so-called L- horizon of litter = litter.

Scattering and the plant material is called, which in the context of bedding for cattle sheds, eg is obtained in the so-called wet meadows.

Decomposition

The litter decomposition, the organic material is converted into humus with the help of soil organisms such as earthworms, woodlice, mites, springtails and microorganisms. Degradation can take varies depending on the environmental conditions and litter composition long. A high proportion of needle litter delay the degradation in contrast to leaf litter. Humidity, heat, high pH and food availability affect accelerating. Under favorable conditions, the scattering layer can be decomposed completely within a few weeks to months.

The duration of the decomposition of litter can be made difficult statements, as it depends on many factors. These include, for example,

• How deep is the scattering,
• The plant species from which the scattering derived or
• The size of the litter ( fine litter decomposes faster than coarse litter).

Assuming that the same amount of scattering is obtained as is decomposed, the result for the scattering of deciduous trees have an average turnover period of 4 years, for the scattering of conifers 350 years.