Changes in CH4 production during different stages of litter decomposition under inundation and N addition

摘要

Our aim was to examine linkages between mass loss, chemical transformation and CH4 production during decomposition of leaf litters submerged under water. We hypothesised that (i) labile leaf litters would fuel a rapid, high rate of methane (CH4) production and that recalcitrant litters would fuel long-lasting but lower emissions, (ii) leaf litters experiencing a greater alteration to chemical properties would stimulate increased CH4 production and (iii) nitrogen (N) addition would increase CH4 emissions.