Distribution of six phenolic acids and soil nutrient relationships during litter decomposition in Rhododendron forests

Litter decomposition is an essential process in nutrient cycling terrestrial ecosystems. Phenolic acids have allelopathic effect on the natural regeneration of rhododendron forests, which was recently observed forests Southwest China. We investigated distribution phenolic and their relationship with soil nutrients during litter to provide a reference for subsequent artificial management forests. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) used analyze contents six layer, humus layer decomposition. During first 3 three months, rapid from two early flowering species released large amounts acids, lower decomposed rapidly. In addition, total acid content decreased by 257.60 μg/g ( Rhododendron siderophyllum ) 53.12 annae months. decomposition, protocatechuic litters ranged 20.15 39.12 μg/g, ferulic 10.70 –33.79 μg/g. The were ranges 10.88—19.68 10.75—18.00 respectively. these trend different those gallic acid, chlorogenic caffeic syringic acid. influenced organic matter (SOM), ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + ), nitrate (NO – available phosphorus (AP). results indicate seasonal variations release amount after 18 months but it returned previous level trends. More research into metabolism needed.