Effect of Siberian tree species on N2O production and consumption

The effect of six Siberian tree species on two stages of denitrification—N₂O production and consumption—was studied. Broadleaf species (aspen and birch) proved to have lower rates of N₂O consumption compared to coniferous species. The factors influencing production and consumption of N₂O were also evaluated. The replacement of coniferous forests with broadleaf trees will double the N₂O/N₂ ratio in the denitrification end-products. Doubled N₂O emission from Siberian forest soils to the atmosphere can be expected due to changes in tree species composition of forest ecosystems even without considering changes in water and temperature regimes in soil.