Effect of trap dimensions on mass of litterfall collected in an Acer saccharum stand in northern Ontario

A comparison of four types of litter traps was conducted during three growing seasons in an old-growth Acer saccharum Marsh. dominated forest on rugged topography in northern Ontario, Canada. The comparison involved traps of two rim heights (0.25 and 1.0 m) and two surface areas (0.25 and 1.0 m2). A supplementary study, also described, compared the two smaller sizes of traps over the same time period. Analysis of variance showed significant effects of both height and surface area on the mass of litter trapped. In a four-way comparison, however, only small traps positioned close to the ground produced estimates that differed significantly from the others. The higher catches associated with these traps are probably the result of a more favorable microsite for entrapment and accumulation of windblown leaves. The number of traps of each type required to constitute a representative sample ranged from ca. 6 to 14 when calculated over three growing seasons. Over the course of a single growing season, the number of traps required increased substantially. No trap type exhibited a distinct advantage in this regard. Generally, however, traps that present a favorable microsite for accumulation of windblown leaves should be avoided in A. saccharum forest.