Do leaf breakdown rates actually measure leaf disappearance from streams?

We measured leaf input, leaf breakdown, and benthic leaf standing stock in Hugh White Creek, a second-order, Appalachian Mountain stream in North Caro lina, U.S.A. Leaf input and leaf breakdown data were used in a computer mod el to predict standing stocks. Predicted standing stocks were then compared with measured values. Once the model was modified to include leaves in fou r breakdown rate categories, leaf blow-in, and temperature effects on leaf breakdown, agreement between model prediction and measurement was quite goo d.