Nitrate removal capacity and nitrous oxide production in soil profiles of nitrogen loaded riparian wetlands inferred by laboratory microcosms

► Riparian wetlands soils have the capacity to remove large amounts of nitrate (NO3−). ► High NO3− load increases the ratio between N2O production and NO3− reduction. ► Nitrous oxide (N2O) can accumulate during nitrate (NO3−) reduction in wetland soils. ► Complete NO3− reduction prevents the accumulation and the potential emission of N2O.