Temperature responses of NO and N2O emissions from boreal organic soil

Both NO and N2O are produced in soil microbial processes and have importance in atmospheric physics and chemistry. In recent years several studies have shown that N2O emissions from organic soils can be high at low temperatures. However, the effects of low temperature on NO emissions from soil are unknown. We studied in laboratory conditions, using undisturbed soil cores, the emissions of NO and N2O from organic soils at various temperatures, with an emphasis on processes and emissions during soil freezing and thawing periods. We found no soil freezing- or thawing-related emission maxima for NO, while the N2O emissions were higher both during soil freezing and thawing periods. The results suggest that different factors are involved in the regulation of NO and N2O emissions at low temperatures.