Litterfall in three high forest chestnut stands in Marão, Padrela and Bornes (Northern Portugal), of 71, 64 and 53 years old, respectively, located on different soil types, was collected in the autumn of 2008. Circular littertraps which cover a surface area of 1 m2 each were installed in these chestnut stands. The litterfall was separated into leaves, branches, fruits and burs. All litter fractions were dried to constant weight at 70°C. The total amount of litter in the three stands was 4.2, 4.6 and 4.0 Mg DM ha-1 y-1 in Marão, Padrela and Bornes sites, respectively. Leaves are the main constituents of the total biomass return by litterfall contributing to 79.4% in Marão, 69.8% in Padrela and 78% in Bornes. The corresponding amounts of other litter fractions in these three locations were respectively: fruits 6.4%, 12.4% and 8.9%; branches 6.4%, 4.0% and 4.7%; burs 7.8%, 13.8% and 8.3%. C amount falling with litterfall was similar in the three stands, close to 2.3 Mg C ha-1 y-1. The aboveground net primary production ANPP was evaluated.
