Abstract: This paper presented temporal and spatial patterns of fine root mass along a chronosequence of evergreen broad-leaved forest in Tiantong, Zhejiang Province of China. The level of fine root mass was highest in the forest of early successional (Lithocarpus glaber +Loropetalum chinense Comm., 3.286 t·hm-2), while lowest in that of middle successional stage(1.066 t·hm^-2 and 1.531 t·hm^-2).In the forest of late successional stage,the level of fine not mass was intermediate (2.715 t·hm^-2 and 3.181 t·hm^-2). The seasonal variation of fine root biomass(FRB) and fine root necromass(FRN) is significant (P<0.01), peaking in July and lowest in November. But in April, FRN of early successional stage forest reaches its maximum. The spatial distribution of FRB and FRN was mainly concenrated on the upper level labont 80% of the total. Fine root distribution in depth was not clearly affected by stand age.

Key words: mass, evergreen broad-leaved forest, secondary succession, Tiantong, fine root, mass, evergreen broad-leaved forest, secondary succession, Tiantong