Greenhouse gases surge from desert soils just minutes after rain | AI News Digest
New research from Ben-Gurion University reveals that desert soils emit greenhouse gases not only due to microbial activity but also through chemical reactions. The study found that sterilized soils released significantly higher amounts of nitrogen gases immediately after rain, challenging the long-held belief that biology is the primary driver of these emissions. This discovery highlights the importance of abiotic processes in understanding greenhouse gas contributions from drylands, especially as climate change alters rainfall patterns. The findings suggest that management strategies should consider chemical pathways to mitigate emissions. The study emphasizes the dynamic nature of desert soils and their role in air quality and climate change.
