Fluxes of litter falling into a small beech forest stream

Fluxes of allochthonous litter were studied in a 93‐m long section of a small stream flowing through mountain beech forest at Cass in the South Island of New Zealand. Litter entered the stream throughout the year with maximum input from October to March. Mean annual input of beech litter was estimated to be 567 g.m^‐2 (dry weight). Down‐stream movement of litter correlated strongly with maximum stream discharge during the collection period. The seasonal distribution and accumulation of litter within the stream was examined using 1‐mm‐mesh colonisation trays. Litter was unevenly distributed over the stream bed, but the average amounts taken from riffles, pools, and among large stones were similar. Litter accumulations were greatest in a pool in summer. The most important factor governing the quantity and transport of litter within the stream was stream flow.