METHANE EMISSION FROM A WETLAND PLANT - THE ROLE OF CH4 OXIDATION IN ERIOPHORUM

The importance of plant-mediated CH4 transport was studied in a northe rn wetland. CH4 transport through Eriophorum, a dominant sedge, was fo und to be the major pathway for CH4 fluxes. Mean emission from Sphagnu m lawns was low (34 mu g CH4 m(-2) h(-1)) and significantly higher fro m tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum (974 mu g CH4 m(-2) h(-1) U-test, p < 0.05). Mean flux from single tillers of Eriophorum angustifolium wa s 92 mu g CH4 h(-1) In contrast to other ecosystems, no CH4 oxidation was associated with Eriophorum. Hence, the lack of oxidation is one re ason for the high emission rates from these ecosystems. This finding i s a caveat for models of CH4 emission and may also have consequences f or carbon flow models of northern wetlands.