PROGRESS IN STUDY ON METHANE UPTAKE BY AEROBIC SOIL

Abstract

Aerobic soil in terrestrial ecosystem is the greatest methane sink, it contributes significantly to the atmospheric methane budget. It is important to study the sink strength and the influence factors for the purpose of balancing the methane in atmosphere and taking measures for increasing the uptake capability. The paper reviews the impact of land use change, soil temperature, soil pH, and agricultural practice such as irrigation, fertilizer application on soil consumption of atmospheric methane. Results indicate that atmospheric methane consumption is especially sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances, which typically decrease the consumption capacity.