Climatic factors drive regional differences in the methane oxidation potential of rice paddy soils

Methane emissions from paddy soils are largely controlled by the process of methane oxidation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of methane oxidation potential (MOP) can vary significantly between different locations. Understanding the factors that drive regional differences in these mechanisms is central to understanding how methane emission varies across rice-producing regions. In this study, we analysed soils from 19 rice paddies across China, dividing into three thermal zones based on mean annual temperature (< 10 °C, 10 – 20 °C, and > 20 °C). We analysed the relationships among MOP, methanotrophic communities, and environmental factors at each sample location.