Diurnal variation in methane efflux at different growth stages of tropical rice

Abstract

Diurnal variation in CH₄ efflux from continuously flooded fields planted to rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IR-36) was examined at different crop growth stages using a closed chamber method during the wet season. CH₄ emission showed a distinct diurnal pattern especially at tillering, panicle initiation and maturity stages of a field-grown rice crop, with maximum emission in the early afternoon (12.00 to 15.00) followed by a decline to a minimum around midnight. Among several variables (ambient temperature, flood water temperature, redox potential, soil pH, and root oxidase activity), a significant negative correlation existed between oxidase activity of the root base and diurnal fluctuations in CH₄ efflux at tillering stage. Evidence also suggested that redox status in the rhizosphere region and atmospheric, soil, and water temperatures influenced CH₄ emission from rice fields probably by their contrasting effects on CH₄ production and oxidation.