Investigating Soil CO2 Flux Among Varying Soil Types during Inundation Conditions

Authors

Jennifer Volk, University of Central FloridaFollow
Arya Patel, University of Central FloridaFollow

Mentor

Dr. Lisa Chambers

Abstract

Land use change has contributed to the increase of carbon dioxide (CO₂) release, exacerbating global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CO₂ is also naturally produced in the soil via microbial respiration which breaks down soil organic matter (SOM). Several studies have investigated factors affecting CO₂ flux from soils, but few have compared CO₂ flux from a range of soil types under controlled conditions with varying water levels. This study subjected intact soil cores from six different soil types to varied periods of inundation and dry events using the same water and timing. During each event, CO₂ flux rates were measured from each soil core with an infrared gas analyzer, and SOM content was quantified post experiment. CO₂ flux for all soils increased with higher SOM and decreased with increasing clay content. The two soils containing medium SOM, regardless of clay content, had higher CO₂ flux rates on average during dry down events. The average CO₂ flux was 78% lower during inundated conditions, regardless of SOM, suggesting decreased microbial respiration during anaerobic conditions. Understanding the relationship between SOM, inundation, and CO₂ flux can aid in establishing best management practices to reduce GHG emissions.

About the Author

Jennifer Volk earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2023, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biology in 2025. She has a strong interest in wetland research and science education. She currently works as a Staff Chemist at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Recommended Citation

Volk, Jennifer and Patel, Arya (2024) "Investigating Soil CO2 Flux Among Varying Soil Types during Inundation Conditions," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 15: Iss. 2, Article 1.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol15/iss2/1