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Nitrous Oxide Emission and Methane Consumption Following Compaction of Forest Soils
Author(s) -
Teepe Robert,
Brumme Rainer,
Beese Friedrich,
Ludwig Bernard
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj2004.6050
Subject(s) - soil water , environmental science , nitrous oxide , compaction , loam , soil compaction , greenhouse gas , soil science , soil texture , hydrology (agriculture) , chemistry , geology , geotechnical engineering , oceanography , organic chemistry
Fluxes of the greenhouse gases, N 2 O and CH 4 , were measured across a skid trail at three beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) forest sites with soils of different texture. At each site three skid trails were established by applying two passes with a forwarder. Soil compaction in the middle of the wheel track caused a considerable increase of N 2 O emissions with values elevated by up to 40 times the uncompacted ones. Compaction reduced the CH 4 consumption at all sites by up to 90%, and at the silty clay loam site its effect was such that CH 4 was even released. These changes in N 2 O and CH 4 fluxes were caused by a reduction in macropore volume and an increase of the water‐filled pore space (WFPS). Additionally, the slipping of the forwarder's wheels led to a mixing of the humus layer with the mineral soil, which resulted in a new layer. This layer reduced gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. Trace gas fluxes were altered in the trafficked soil and in the adjacent areas. Despite the significant changes in the trace gas fluxes on the skid trails, the cumulative effect of the two gases on the atmosphere was small with respect to total emissions. However, if soil trafficking is not restricted to the established skid trail system the area of compaction and consequently the atmospheric load by greenhouse gases may increase with every harvesting operation.