Removal of atmospheric methane by soil ecosystems and its controlling variables from microbial to global scales

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of climate change. While methane emissions have widely been investigated, biological removal of methane by upland soil has less been explored. Understanding the mechanisms and factors affecting methane oxidation in soils is of paramount importance for devising successful mitigation strategies. This perspective paper discusses the different types of aerobic methanotrophs and their activities under varying environmental conditions, highlighting the significant contribution of soil ecosystems to global methane sinks. We emphasize the need for in-depth research on the variables controlling CH4 sinks at different spatio-temporal scales, and the exploration of previously unidentified CH4 sinks, such as deserts and areas of glacier retreat.