Abstract: The grass species Vulpia myuros has a September-to-June growth period and can enhance orchard soils and prevent water loss and soil erosion. However, orchard managers are often concerned by the species’ presence as a competitor for nutrients with fruit trees. This paper reports an investigation of the decomposition and nutrient release rates of V. myuros in the Qingdao area of northern China, which has a humid climate. Dead V. myuros was collected in late June 2012 and buried at the depth of 10 cm in soils with three moisture content levels (65%, 75% and 85%). Decay rates and the release rates of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were measured every ten days between July and October. Results showed that V. myuros has a very fast decay rate, with approximately 30% decomposed within 80 days. This decay releases carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, principally during the first 20-40 days. Potassium had the fastest release rate, followed by phosphorous, while nitrogen and carbon were the slowest. Soil moisture had a significant effect on decomposition. The decay rate is accelerated when moisture levels are raised from 65% to 85%. The study concludes that V. myuros can supply nutrients to fruit trees and does not compete with them, as previously thought. Thus V. myuros can be used in the temperate hilly regions in northern China in order to enhance nutrient cycling in orchard ecosystems.