Isotopic evidence for axial tree stem methane oxidation within subtropical lowland forests

Abstract

Knowledge regarding mechanisms moderating methane (CH₄ ) sink/source behaviour along the soil-tree stem-atmosphere continuum remains incomplete. Here, we applied stable isotope analysis (δ¹³ C-CH₄ ) to gain insights into axial CH₄ transport and oxidation in two globally distributed subtropical lowland species (Melaleuca quinquenervia and Casuarina glauca). We found consistent trends in CH₄ flux (decreasing with height) and δ¹³ C-CH₄ enrichment (increasing with height) in relation to stem height from ground. The average lower tree stem δ¹³ C-CH₄ (0-40 cm) of Melaleuca and Casuarina (-53.96‰ and -65.89‰) were similar to adjacent flooded soil CH₄ ebullition (-52.87‰ and -62.98‰), suggesting that stem CH₄ is derived mainly by soil sources. Upper stems (81-200 cm) displayed distinct δ¹³ C-CH₄ enrichment (Melaleuca -44.6‰ and Casuarina -46.5‰, respectively). Coupled 3D-photogrammetry with novel 3D-stem measurements revealed distinct hotspots of CH₄ flux and isotopic fractionation on Melaleuca, which were likely due to bark anomalies in which preferential pathways of gas efflux were enhanced. Diel experiments revealed greater δ¹³ C-CH₄ enrichment and higher oxidation rates in the afternoon, compared with the morning. Overall, we estimated that c. 33% of the methane was oxidised between lower and upper stems during axial transport, therefore potentially representing a globally significant, yet previously unaccounted for, methane sink.