Litter-derived nitrogen reduces methane uptake in tropical rainforest soils

Litter comprises a major nutrient source when decomposed via soil microbes and functions as subtract that limits gas exchange between soil and atmosphere, thereby restricting methane (CH4) uptake in soils. However, the impact and inherent mechanism of litter and its decomposition on CH4 uptake in soils remains unknown in forest. Therefore, to declare the mechanisms of litter input and decomposition effect on the soil CH4 flux in forest, this study performed a litter-removal experiment in a tropical rainforest, and investigated the effects of litter input and decomposition on the CH4 flux among forest ecosystems through a literature review. Cumulative annual CH4 flux was -3.30 kg CH4 C ha(-1) y(-1). The litter layer decreased annual accumulated CH4 uptake by 8% which greater in the rainy season than the dry season in the tropical rainforest. Litter decomposition and the input of carbon and nitrogen in litter biomass reduced CH4 uptake significantly and the difference in CH4 flux between treatment with litter and without litter was negatively associated with N derived from litter input. Based on the literature review about litter effect on soil CH4 around world forests, the effect of litter dynamics on CH4 uptake was regulated by litter-derived nitrogen input and the amount soil inorganic nitrogen content. Our results suggest that nitrogen input via litter decomposition, which increased with temperature, caused a decline in CH4 uptake by forest soils, which could weaken the contribution of the forest in mitigating global warming.

Automated summary

Litter, as a major nutrient source decomposed by soil microbes, can affect methane uptake. The reduction of litter layer decreases methane uptake, and the decomposition and input of carbon and nitrogen also significantly reduce methane uptake.