Methane emissions from tree stems: a new frontier in the global carbon cycle

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.15582
• Publication Date: 2018-11-05T11:51:18Z
• Authors: Josep Barba; Mark A. Bradford; Paul E. Brewer; Dan Bruhn; Kristofer Covey; Joost van Haren; J. Patrick Megonigal; Teis Nørgaard Mik...; Sunitha R. Pangala; Mari Pihlatie; Ben Poulter; Albert Rivas‐Ubach; Christopher W. Sc...; Kazuhiko Terazawa; Daniel L. Warner; Zhen Zhang; Rodrigo Vargas
• Keywords: Biogeochemical Cycle; Trace gas

Summary Tree stems from wetland, floodplain and upland forests can produce emit methane ( CH 4 ). stem emissions have high spatial temporal variability, but there is no consensus on the biophysical mechanisms that drive production emissions. Here, we summarize up to 30 opportunities challenges for research, which, when addressed, will improve estimates of magnitudes, patterns drivers trace their potential origin. We identified need: (1) both long‐term, high‐frequency measurements understand fine‐scale processes, alongside rapid large‐scale designed variability across individuals, species ecosystems; (2) identify microorganisms biogeochemical pathways associated with production; (3) develop a mechanistic model including passive active transport soil–tree–atmosphere continuum. Addressing these help constrain magnitudes emissions, allow integration into process‐based models. These advances facilitate upscaling ecosystem level quantify role local global budget.