Abstract
The characteristics of CH_4 emission in relation to the amount and diameter of organic matter, especially roots litter in the forest are poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the potential of methane emission from root litter using a closed chamber method. We used the Yamashiro Experimental Forest (YEF) located in Kizugawa city in the southern part of Kyoto prefecture. An investigation plot was set in the riparian zone of YEF. This plot was the model area for woody root litter under the water table. A high rate of methane emission was observed on the soil chamber that contained a large amount of root litter. Especially, the emission rate after 20 days was relatively high and it was not related with diameter. These results suggest that woody root litter is an important potential source of methane in the forest. Further studies of root litter as a source of methane may be needed.
