Abstract:The leaf litter decomposition of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, Mytilaria laosensis Lec., Michelia macclurei Dandy, and Castanopsis fissa Rehd. et Wils. in mixed broad-leaved tree plantation and pine plantation were studied with litterbag method for one year. Leaf litter decomposition rates of the four species were in the order: Cinnamomum camphora>Mytilaria laosensis> Michelia macclurei>Castanopsis fissa. The decomposition rates of all species were higher in mixed than pine plantation. The decomposition processes of all species follow Olson′s exponential model. The decomposition coefficient (K) of all species were also higher in mixed than pine plantation and had the same order as the leaf litter decomposition rates. The analysis of changes in leaf litter nutrients over time showed that the nitrogen contents of all species studied first increased and then decreased. However, net release of N only occurred in pine plantation. Potassium contents appeared to decrease first and then increase and net release was ony found in mixed plantation. For Ca, Mg, and B, they all showed a similar pattern of increasing at the beginning and then decreasing at the end. They all had net release in both mixed and pine plantation. The release of phosphorus varied greatly between species and no clear trend was found.