Abstract: Litters of main tree species in subtropical zone (Cunninghamia lanceolata and schima superba) are examined for their buffering to soil acidification and effect on root growth. The litter of S. superba is more capable of buffering and weakening the acidity of simulated acid rain because of its more content of base cations. Covered with it, soil pH, base-saturation percentage and organic matter content are increased markedly, and soil hydrolytic acidity and Al/Ca decreased a lot. Litters of S. superba have a stronger capacity of buffering soil acidification than those of C. lanceoiata and are more efficient to alleviate soil acidification and improve root growth environment.

Key words: pig manure, rice straw, earthworm, C/N ratio, growth and reproduction, maturity index