This experiment was established in November of 1990. Cedar Creek is one of approximately 30 sites across North and Central America where a replicated study has been established to examine decomposition rates of a wide range of leaf and root types over broad climatic gradients. Four hundred replicate bags for ten years of annual sampling have been placed in the exclosures of LTER fields B and C. The first samples were collected in November 1991. One additional experiment was set up at Cedar Creek to complement this intersite study. An oak leaf decomposition study was placed in four of the Grigal long term forest plots as well as the Intersite grassland sites. The purpose is to study the short term (less than 3 year) dynamics of decomposition in greater detail and to compare forest and grassland sites. The first samples were collected in May 1991.