TY  - JOUR
AU  - Xiao, Deshun
AU  - Ye, Chang
AU  - Ma, Hengyu
AU  - Xu, Yanan
AU  - Tao, Yi
AU  - Zhu, Junlin
AU  - Liao, Wenli
AU  - Chen, Song
AU  - Chu, Guang
AU  - Liu, Yuanhui
AU  - Yu, Kai
AU  - Xu, Chunmei
AU  - Wang, Danying
PY  - 2026
TI  - Soil texture drives rice methane emissions at tillering stage via carbon fractions, nutrients and microbial abundance
JO  - Journal of Integrative Agriculture (JIA)
SN  - 2095-3119
SP  - 4339
EP  - 4350
VL  - 25
IS  - 10
AB  - This study explored the complex mechanisms of methane (CH4) emissions in paddy fields, focusing on the often-overlooked role of soil texture. Through the analysis of 31 paddy soil samples, the research investigated the complex interactions among soil texture, organic carbon composition, soil nutrients, and microbial abundance in regulating CH4 emissions during the tillering stage of rice. The results revealed significant variations in CH4 emissions among different soils, which were notably associated with soil texture, organic carbon, nutrients levels, and microbial abundance. Soil texture, particularly clay content, emerged as a key factor influencing the composition of organic carbon, showing a significant positive correlation with mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). While organic carbon components significantly enhanced CH4 emissions, their effects were not uniform: particulate organic carbon correlated negatively with emissions, whereas MAOC showed a positive association. Soil texture also influenced nutrients availability, with clay content significantly correlated with soil nitrogen and phosphorus content, which in turn affects the abundance of functional genes. Specifically, mcrA abundance was positively correlated with available potassium, while pmoA abundance was positively correlated with available phosphorus. Additionally, dissolved organic carbon promoted pmoA abundance, although this effect was mitigated by higher clay content. Network analysis further emphasized the central role of soil texture, with clay exhibiting the highest degree and closeness centrality. In conclusion, soil texture is a fundamental and core factor influencing CH4 emissions at tillering of rice, exerting its influence through multiple pathways including modulating the composition of organic carbon, nutrient availability, and the abundance of methanogens and methanotrophs. These findings provide theoretical foundations for developing low-carbon cultivation strategies tailored to different soil textural characteristics.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.049
DO  - 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.049