Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and accounts for up to 17% of global warming according to the IPCC. Agricultural soils have always been regarded as a methane source, but recent research by the Bodelier group has shown that in laboratory conditions, these soils are capable of (circum-)atmospheric methane oxidation under stimulation from bio-based residues - especially compost - by as yet unknown mechanisms.
This project will further investigate this residue-stimulated atmospheric methane oxidation, and aims to elucidate its occurrence in field conditions, responsible microorganisms, underlying mechanisms and controlling factors.
Companies and institutions in this NWO-TTW project's user committee are:
NWO-TTW Open Technology Program (Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research domain Applied and Engineering Sciences)
Research team