Work

Global latitudinal patterns in forest ecosystem nitrous oxide emissions are related to hydroclimate

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions are a serious global issue, with substantial evidence indicating that hydroclimate processes significantly contribute to these emissions. Forests, covering one-third of global land, are key in the water cycle and influence hydroclimate processes, which vary with climate, latitude, and forest types. The role of hydroclimate in regulating global forest N 2 O emission remains largely unknown. Our global analysis shows that hydroclimate factors dominate the latitudinal gradient of forest N 2 O fluxes, which decrease with latitude. N 2 O fluxes are highest in tropical forests, followed by temperate and boreal forests. Hydroclimate factors contribute 78.2% to N 2 O fluxes, while soil factors contribute 21.8%. Our results urgently call for future studies to investigate the relationship between N 2 O flux and hydroclimate factors like radiation, evapotranspiration, and vapor pressure deficits. Collectively, these findings highlight hydroclimate significant impact on N 2 O emissions and suggest incorporating these factors into predictive models for greater accuracy.

Source: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

DOI: 10.1038/s41612-024-00737-8

Authors: Jiayuan Liao, Wei Zheng, Qiong Liao, Sheng Lu

Institutions: Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Hunan Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390