Abstract: 【Objective】 In order to reveal functions of litter in nutrient cycling of forest ecosystem, the dynamics of litter production and components, nutrient return and characteristics of decomposition process were studied in this paper. 【Method】We choose the natural and plantation forest of Abies fargesii in Shennongjia,and arranged litter collection boxes and decomposition bags in the sample area, to compare the litter production and decomposition rate differences between the natural forest and plantations through one year of continuous observation.【Result】①The total litter production of natural forest and plantation were 6 217.44 kg/hm² and 4 833.46 kg/hm², respectively, which of the natural forest was 28.63% higher than that of the plantation. ②The main litter fractions were leaves which accounted for 55.24%(natural forest)and 54.76%(plantation)to total litters, then the twigs(22.18%, 19.66%), and the barks, fruits and others were less relatively(22.58%, 25.58%). ③The annual dynamics mode of litter production was double peak curve, and the peak occurred in October and next June, and the nadir occurred in next February. ④The annual nutrient returns of natural forest and plantation forest were 77.84 kg/hm² and 54.47 kg/hm² respectively, which of the natural forest was 42.91% higher than that of the plantation, and the order of macro-element return was N＞K＞Ca＞P＞Mg. ⑤The litters were decomposed more fast in the initial phase, as the litter weight loss rate of natural forest and plantation express 18.70% and 11.35%,respectively. The litter decomposition constants of natural forest and plantation forest were 0.303 and 0.241, the half declining were 1.70 and 2.57 years, and the total declining were 9.30 and 12.12 years. 【Conclusion】 The litter production of A. fargesii forest is abundant, the litter decomposition rate of it is slow, and the effect of litters on soil improvement in natural forest is better than that in the plantation forest.