Introduction

Decomposition as a process
Decomposer organisms
Initial litter chemical composition
Changes in substrate composition during decomposition
Chemical constituents as rate-regulating: initial variation and changes during decomposition
Climatic environment
Influence of soil and plant community factors
Decomposition of fine root and woody litter
Models that describe litter decomposition
Decomposition and ecosystem function
Human activities that influence decomposition
Estimating carbon sequestration rates on a regional scale
Appendix I. Glossary
Appendix II. Scientific names of vascular plants
Appendix III. Site descriptions
Appendix IV. A data base for litter chemical composition, and limit values for decomposition Delila.-