Impaired Reduction of N ₂ O to N ₂ in Acid Soils Is Due to a Posttranscriptional Interference with the Expression of <i>nosZ</i>

Abstract

Impaired N2O reduction in acid soils was first observed ~60 years ago, and the phenomenon has been rediscovered several times since then. The practical implication would be that the emissions of N2O from cropped soils could be controlled by soil pH management, but this option has largely been ignored till now. One reason for this could be that the mechanisms involved have remained obscure. Here, we provide compelling evidence that the primary reason is that low pH interferes with the making of the enzyme N2O reductase rather than the function of the enzyme if properly assembled. The implications are important for understanding how pH controls the kinetics of N2O and N2 production by denitrification. The improved understanding provides credibility for soil pH management as a way to mitigate N2O emissions.