Formation of reactive intermediates in paddy water from different temperature zones for the promotion of abiotic ammonification

The paddy field is a hot area of biogeochemical process. The paddy water has a large capacity in photo-generation of reactive intermediates (RIs) due to abundant photosensitive dissolved organic matter (DOM), which is influenced by the spatial heterogeneity of paddy soils but rarely been explored. Our work presents the first investigation of the role of soil properties on photochemistry in paddy water. Soil organic matter (SOM), determined by the temperature, was the dominant factor for the photo-generation of RIs in paddy water of main rice producing areas. The RI concentrations generated with abundant SOM from cool regions are 0.05–8.71 times higher than those for the warm regions in China. The humic-like substance and aromatic-like compounds of DOM plays an essential role in RIs generation, which is abundant in paddy soils rich in SOM from Chinese cool regions. In addition, RIs can efficiently accelerate the photo-ammonification of urea and free amino acids by 15.2%–164%, leading to 0.13-0.17 mmol/L/d photo-produced ammonium after fertilization, which is preferentially absorbed by rice. The findings of this study will extend our knowledge of the geochemistry of global paddy field ecosystem. The potential role of RIs in nitrogen cycle should be highlighted in the agroecosystem.