Abstract:The litter amount and the water holding characteristic parameters, such as the maximum water holding capacity and rate, the water absorption rate and the modified interception amount of Phyllostachys edulis plantations with four densities were studied in Huangshan district. The results are as follows: The total amount, thickness and natural water content of litters under all the four stands tested were different. The total litter amount in different stands ranged between 3.98 t·hm-2 to 6.00 t·hm-2, that in the stand with the density of 3 000 stems·hm-2 was the most. The ratio of maximum water-holding capacity of litter in various stands ranged from 317.09% to 347.58%. The maximum water holding capacity of litter in the stand with the density of 3 000 stems·hm-2 was 20.70 t·hm-2. By analyzing, the relationship between the water holding capacity of litter and the immersion time followed the equation of: W=alnt+b (a is the coefficient; b is the constant term). The relationship between the water absorption speed of the litter and the immerse time followed the equation of: V=ctd(c is the coefficient; d is the exponential term). The litter water capacity increased rapidly within the first four hours, and then increased slowly. The results also showed that the hydrological character of litter was positively related to density in Ph. edulis forest. Therefore, it is important to choose appropriate density for enhancing the eco-hydrological benefits of litter layer in Ph. edulis forest.