An introduction to the intricate and complex relationships that exist in our natural world. Leaves, twigs, branches and bark collect on the ground in forests all over the world. We call it leaf litter, but it isn't really rubbish at all. If you look closely at leaf litter you will discover a world of animals and plants living side by side.

The primary objective of this book is to provide students and laboratory instructors at universities and professional ecologists with a broad range of established methods to study plant litter decomposition. Detailed protocols for direct use in the field or laboratory are presented in an easy to follow step-by-step format. A short introduction to each protocol reviews the ecological significance and principles of the technique and points to key references.