Abstract
Abstract. Boreal peatlands are an important natural source of atmospheric methane (CH4). Recently, boreal peatlands have been experiencing increased nitrogen (N) availability and decreased moss production. However, little is known about the interactive effect of moss and N availability on CH4 emissions in boreal peatlands. In this study, the effects of moss removal and N addition (6 g N m−2 yr−1) on CH4 emissions were examined during the growing seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2013 in a boreal peatland in the Great Hinggan Mountain of northeast China. Notably, the response of CH4 emissions to moss removal and N addition varied with experimental duration. Moss removal and N addition did not affect CH4 emissions in 2011 and 2012, but respectively reduced CH4 emissions by 50% and 66% in 2013. However, moss removal and N addition did not produce an interactive effect on CH4 emissions. Consequently, moss removal plus N addition had no effect on CH4 emissions in 2011 and 2012, but decreased CH4 emissions by 68% in 2013. These results suggest that the effects of moss removal and N enrichment on CH4 emissions are time-dependent in boreal peatlands, and also imply that increased N availability and decreased moss growth would independently inhibit CH4 emissions in the boreal peatlands of northeast China.
Highlights
Methane (CH4), as the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, contributes 18 % to the overall global radiative force and is predicated to play a key role in determining future climate change (IPCC, 2007)
Moss removal and N addition did not produce an interactive effect on CH4 emissions
These results suggest that the effects of moss removal and N enrichment on CH4 emissions are time-dependent in boreal peatlands, and imply that increased N availability and decreased moss growth would independently inhibit CH4 emissions in the boreal peatlands of northeast China
Summary
Methane (CH4), as the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, contributes 18 % to the overall global radiative force and is predicated to play a key role in determining future climate change (IPCC, 2007). Moss provides a good thermal layer for the underlying soils and may play a role in controlling CH4 oxidation (Basiliko et al, 2004; Turetsky, 2004). About 90 % of the CH4 produced in peat could be consumed in the moss layer and the soil (Bubier and Moore, 1994; Whalen, 2005). Climate change inhibits moss growth and decreases moss production in boreal peatlands (Rustad et al, 2001; Limpens et al, 2011). This could influence the CH4 emissions from the boreal peatlands, given the important role of moss in CH4 oxidation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
