| Abstract: | Wetland ecosystems are the most important natural methane (CH4) sources, whose fluxes periodically fluctuate. Methanogens (methane producers) and methanotrophs (methane consumers) are considered key factors affecting CH4 fluxes in wetlands. However, the symbiotic relationship between methanogens and methanotrophs remains unclear. To help close this research gap, we collected and analyzed samples from four soil depths in the Dajiuhu subalpine peatland in January, April, July, and October 2019 and acquired seasonal methane flux data from an eddy covariance (EC) system, and investigated relationships. A phylogenetic molecular ecological networks (pMENs) analysis was used to identify keystone species and the seasonal variations of the co-occurrence patterns of methanogenic and methanotrophic communities. The results indicate that the seasonal variations of the interactions between methanogenic and methanotrophic communities contributed to CH4 emissions in wetlands. The keystone species discerned by the network analysis also showed their importance in mediating CH4 fluxes. Methane (CH4) emissions in wetlands were lowest in spring; during this period, the most complex interactions between microbes were observed, with intense competition among methanogens while methanotrophs demonstrated better cooperation. Reverse patterns manifested themselves in summer when the highest CH4 flux was observed. Methanoregula formicica was negatively correlated with CH4 fluxes and occupied the largest ecological niches in the spring network. In contrast, both Methanocella arvoryzae and Methylocystaceae demonstrated positive correlations with CH4 fluxes and were better adapted to the microbial community in the summer. In addition, soil temperature and nitrogen were regarded as significant environmental factors to CH4 fluxes. This study was successful in explaining the seasonal patterns and microbial driving mechanisms of CH4 emissions in wetlands. |
