Maize root and shoot litter incubation experiment

Chemical composition of root and shoot litter controls decomposition and, subsequently, C availability for biological nitrogen transformation processes in soils. While plant residues have been proven to increase N2O emissions, studies on root effects on N2O emissions are scarce. This study aimed 1) to evaluate how fresh maize root litter affects N2O emissions compared to fresh maize shoot litter, 2) to assess if N2O emissions are related to C and N mineralization from litter, and 3) to analyze litter-induced changes in soil microbial community structures.