The role of bigleaf maple in soil chemistry and nutrient dynamics in coastal temperate forests

The influence of bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursh) in a forest dominated by Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziessi (Mirb.) Franco] and western hemlock [Tsuga heterophylla (RAF.) Sarg.] was studied in a paired-plot design through an examination of the annual contribution of bigleaf maple litterfall to nutrient flux, its rate of decay, and its properties within the forest floor and mineral soil. Compared to conifer plots, bigleaf maple plots had litterfall significantly higher in all elements, and faster litter decomposition. Forest floor measurements revealed significantly higher pH and contents of N. Mineral soils beneath bigleaf maple had a lower bulk density, higher CEC, and total, mineralizeable and available N, compared to conifer plots. This suggests that bigleaf maple has the potential to increase nutrient cycling and availability in deciduous-conifer mixed stands, and may be a desirable species in temperate coastal forests.