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Title: Impact of gypsum application on the methane emission from a wetland rice field

Journal Article · · Global Biogeochemical Cycles; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/94GB00386· OSTI ID:7034599
 [1]
  1. International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos (Philippines)

Methane is an important greenhouse gas, accounting for about 17% of the greenhouse effect during the 1980's, and playing an important role in atmospheric chemistry. Studies on the atmospheric methane cycle have stressed the need for identification of individual methane sources and their source strength. A next step is to look for possibilities to stabilize or even reduce atmospheric methane mixing rations. This study looks at the impact of sulfur-containing fertizers, specifically gypsum, on methane emissions of rice fields. In hibition studies have demonstrated that sulfate reducers, in the presence of sulfate can outcompete methanogens for substrates. Field experiments with gypsum applications were carried out in a Philippine rice paddy. The importance of different substrate levels was studied with and without organic manure. The results indicate that adding gypsum to a flooded rice field reduced methane emissions by 55-70%. Most likely the reduced emission was due to suppression of methanogens by sulfate-reducing bacteria. However, in hibition of methanogenesis was incomplete and appreciable methane emission still occured. 39 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.

OSTI ID:
7034599
Journal Information:
Global Biogeochemical Cycles; (United States), Vol. 8:2; ISSN 0886-6236
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English