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Forests: methane sinks or methane sources?
Xiaoqi Zhou1, Wensheng Xiao1, Josep Peñuelas2
1Zhejiang Tiantong Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Zhejiang Zhoushan Island Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Eco-Chongming, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
Trends in Microbiology
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Forests are complex methane (CH4) emitters and absorbers. Understanding these dynamics requires integrated approaches beyond studying individual forest components like soil or canopy.
Area of Science:
- Forest ecology
- Biogeochemical cycles
- Climate science
Background:
- Forests play a critical role in regulating atmospheric methane (CH4) concentrations.
- Methane exchange in forests is complex, with soils, stems, and canopies acting as variable sources or sinks.
- Current understanding often relies on component-based assessments, which may not capture net ecosystem exchange accurately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current research on forest methane (CH4) fluxes.
- To highlight the limitations of analyzing individual forest components (soils, stems, canopies) in isolation.
- To advocate for integrated observational-modeling frameworks for precise CH4 budget quantification.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of emerging evidence on forest CH4 exchange.
- Critical analysis of component-based approaches versus integrated frameworks.
- Conceptual framework development for combined observation and modeling.
Main Results:
- Forest CH4 exchange is highly heterogeneous and context-dependent.
- Component-based studies provide incomplete and potentially misleading insights into net forest CH4 budgets.
- Integrated approaches are essential for accurate assessment of forest CH4 sources and sinks.
Conclusions:
- Accurate quantification of net forest methane (CH4) exchange necessitates a holistic, integrated approach.
- Future research should prioritize combined observational and modeling strategies.
- Improved understanding of forest CH4 dynamics is crucial for refining climate feedback predictions.
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