Accumulation mechanism of γ-aminobutyric acid in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under low O2 with and without CO2

The storage of ripe tomatoes in low-O(2) conditions with and without CO(2) promotes γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation. The activities of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and α-ketoglutarate-dependent GABA transaminase (GABA-TK) were higher and lower, respectively, following storage under hypoxic (2.4 or 3.5% O(2)) or adjusted aerobic (11% O(2)) conditions compared to the activities in air for 7 days at 25 °C. GAD activity was consistent with the expression level of mRNA for GAD. The GABA concentration in tomatoes stored under hypoxic conditions and adjusted aerobic conditions was 60-90% higher than that when they are stored in air on the same day. These results demonstrate that upregulation of GAD activity and downregulation of GABA-TK activity cause GABA accumulation in tomatoes stored under low-O(2) conditions. Meanwhile, the effect of CO(2) on GABA accumulation is probably minimal.     

Regeneration of volatile compounds in Fuji apples following ultra low oxygen atmosphere storage and its effect on sensory acceptability

The aim of this work was to assess whether extra time spent under AIR conditions after storage in an ultra low oxygen (ULO) atmosphere could allow the regeneration of volatile compound emission without negatively affecting quality parameters and the consumer acceptability of Fuji apples. Fruits were stored for 19 and 30 weeks at 1 degrees C and 92% RH under ULO atmosphere conditions (1 kPa O 2:1 kPa CO 2) or under ULO conditions followed by different periods (2 and 4 weeks) in cold AIR atmosphere (ULO + 2w or ULO + 4w, respectively). Standard quality and emission of volatile compounds were analyzed after storage plus 1 and 7 days at 20 degrees C. Sensory attributes and acceptability were also determined after 7 days at 20 degrees C. The extra period of 30 weeks in an AIR atmosphere after ULO storage resulted in an increase in the concentration of the compounds that most contribute to the flavor of Fuji apples. These fruits were relatively well accepted by consumers despite a slight decline in firmness and acidity.     

Controlled-atmosphere effects on postharvest quality and antioxidant activity of cranberry fruits

The effects of controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage on the firmness, respiration rate, quality, weight loss, total phenolics and flavonoids contents, and total antioxidant activities of the Pilgrim and Stevens cultivars of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) have been studied during storage in atmospheres of 2, 21, and 70% O(2) with 0, 15, and 30% CO(2) (balance N(2)); and 100% N(2) at 3 degrees C. Elevated CO(2) concentrations decreased bruising, physiological breakdown, and decay of berries, thereby reducing fruit losses. Respiration and weight loss of fruits decreased, but fruit softening increased, at higher CO(2) concentrations. Accumulations of acetaldehyde, ethanol, and ethyl acetate varied by cultivar and storage atmosphere but were generally highest in the 2 and 70% O(2) and 100% N(2) atmospheres and increased in response to elevated CO(2) concentrations. Overall, the 30% CO(2) plus 21% O(2) atmosphere appeared optimal for the storage of cranberries. Sensory analysis is required, however, to confirm that accumulations of fermentation products at this atmosphere are acceptable for consumers. Stevens fruits had a higher phenolics content and total antioxidant activity than Pilgrim fruits. The storage atmosphere did not affect the content of total phenolics or flavonoids. However, the total antioxidant activity of the fruits increased overall by about 45% in fruits stored in air. This increase was prevented by storage in 30% CO(2) plus 21% O(2).     

Antioxidant content of fresh-cut pears stored in high-O2 active packages compared with conventional low-o2 active and passive modified atmosphere packaging

The antioxidant content of fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' ( Pyrus communis L.) pears dipped into a 0.75% w/v N-acetylcysteine + 0.75% w/v glutathione solution and packaged under 70 kPa of O2 atmospheres (HOA) was evaluated as an alternative to actively modified low-O2 atmosphere (LOA) and passively modified atmospheres (PA). Changes in color, vitamin C, individual phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of fresh-cut pears as well as in O2, CO2, and ethylene headspace concentrations inside the packages were assessed for 14 days at 4 degrees C. Not only did the use of antioxidants prevent browning and reduce ethylene production of fresh-cut pears, but also their application under LOA best maintained vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, and antioxidant capacity compared with HOA. The results show that the use of glutathione and N-acetylcysteine enhanced the formation of phenylpropanoids in fresh-cut pears stored under LOA.     

Effect of high-oxygen and high-carbon-dioxide atmospheres on strawberry flavor and other quality traits

The effect of high-oxygen atmospheres on strawberry flavor was studied. Strawberry fruits (Fragariax ananassa Duch. cv. Camarosa) were stored at 8 degrees C in four different atmospheres: air, 5% O(2)/20% CO(2), 80% O(2)/20% CO(2), and 90% O(2)/10% CO(2). Changes in several quality parameters were evaluated. Atmospheres combining high O(2) and high CO(2) were the most effective in preventing fungal growth and enhancing strawberry firmness. Other quality parameters such as color, titrable acidity, sugars and organic acids distribution, off-flavor development, and aroma were only mildly affected by superatmospheric O(2) levels. After one week of storage, unexpected high contents of off-flavor related compounds were found in the 80% O(2)/20% CO(2) and 90% O(2)/10% CO(2) atmospheres. Evidence of an altered ester biosynthesis was also found in fruits stored under these high-O(2) atmospheres. Data obtained suggest that stress induced by high CO(2) and stress induced by high O(2) have an additive effect on strawberry flavor alteration.     

High CO2 atmosphere modulating the phenolic response associated with cell adhesion and hardening of Annona cherimola fruit stored at chilling temperature

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5.) activity, tanning ability, and polyphenols levels were measured in cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) fruit treated with 20% CO(2) + 20% O(2) + 60% N(2) for 1, 3, or 6 days during chilling temperature (6 degrees C) storage. The residual effect of CO(2) after transfer to air was also studied. These observations were correlated with texture and cellular characteristics, visualized by cryo-SEM. Tanning ability and the early increase in tannin polyphenols induced by chilling temperature were reduced by CO(2) treatment. Conversely, high CO(2) atmosphere enhanced the nontannin polyphenol fraction as compared with fruit stored in air. Lignin accumulation and PAL activation observed in untreated fruit after prolonged storage at chilling temperature were prevented by high CO(2). Moreover, the restraining effect on lignification was less effective when the CO(2) treatment was prolonged for 6 days. In addition, fruits held at these conditions had greater firmness and the histological characterization of the separation between cells was similar to that in untreated fruits. We conclude that CO(2) treatment modulates the phenolic response that seems to regulate the strength of cell adhesion and so to prevent hardening caused by chilling temperature storage.     

Long-term storage of Pink Lady apples modifies volatile-involved enzyme activities: consequences on production of volatile esters

Pink Lady apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 degrees C and 92% relative humidity under either air or controlled atmosphere conditions (2 kPa O 2:2 kPa CO 2 and 1 kPa O 2:1 kPa CO 2) for 27 weeks. Data on the emission of volatile compounds and on the activity of some related enzymes in both skin and flesh tissues were obtained during subsequent shelf life at 20 degrees C. Major effects of storage atmosphere and poststorage period were observed on the emission of volatile esters and their precursors. Changes in the production of volatile esters were partly due to alterations in the activity of alcohol o-acyltransferase, but the specific esters emitted by fruit after storage also resulted largely from modifications in the supply of the corresponding substrates. Samples stored under air were characterized by higher availability of acetaldehyde, whereas those stored under CA showed enhanced emission of the alcohol precursors ethanol and 1-hexanol (2 kPa O 2) and 1-butanol (1 kPa O 2), with accordingly higher production of ethyl, hexyl, and butyl esters. Multivariate analysis revealed that a large part of the observed differences in precursor availability arose from modifications in the activity of the enzymes considered. Higher pyruvate decarboxylase activity in air-stored fruit possibly accounted for higher acetaldehyde levels in these samples, while storage under 1 kPa O 2 led to significantly decreased lipoxygenase activity and thus to lessened production of 1-hexanol and hexyl esters. Low acetaldehyde availability together with enhanced hydroperoxide lyase and alcohol dehydrogenase levels in these fruits are suggested to have led to higher emission of 1-butanol and butyl esters.     

Influence of temperature, modified atmosphere packaging, and heat treatment on aroma compounds in broccoli

The aroma compounds in broccoli stored in different modified atmospheres were studied. The packaging materials used were oriented polypropylene (OPP), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing an ethylene-absorbing sachet. All samples were stored for either 1 week at a constant temperature of 10 degrees C or for 3 days at 4 degrees C, followed by 4 days at 10 degrees C. The atmospheres that developed inside the packaging materials differed significantly. The broccoli samples were analyzed raw and after cooking, with regard to volatile compounds, using gas-phase (headspace) extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-olfactometry. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), hexanal, 3-cis-hexen-1-ol, nonanal, ethanol, and a group of thiocyanates were selected for a detailed study because these compounds cause off-odor and can be used as indicators of stress. Significant differences were found in the aroma profiles of the broccoli samples relative to the packaging materials used for storage. Storage in OPP (14% O(2), 10.5% CO(2)) resulted in most of the off-odors, while storage in LDPE (6% O(2), 7% CO(2)) and PVC (17.9% O(2), 4% CO(2)) was found to maintain the concentration of DMS, DMDS, and DMTS during storage. Heat treatment of the broccoli increased the content of aroma compounds as well as the number of compounds containing sulfur.     

Production of volatile compounds by Fuji apples following exposure to high CO2 or low O2

The emission of volatile compounds by Fuji apples following short- or long-term exposure to high CO(2) was studied. The production of ethanol, methyl and ethyl esters, octanal, nonanal, and decanal was enhanced while the production of C(3)-C(6) alcohols, propyl, butyl, pentyl, and hexyl esters and butanal decreased in fruit exposed to 10 kPa O(2) + 20 kPa CO(2) at 20 degrees C for up to 12 days. The impact of high CO(2) exposure on volatile production was dependent on fruit maturity at harvest. Apples stored for 8 months in an ultralow O(2)-controlled atmosphere (CA) (0.5 kPa O(2) + 0.05 kPa CO(2)) or high CO(2) CA (1.5 kPa O(2) + 3 kPa CO(2)) at 0.5 degrees C had reduced production of most volatiles, especially butyl and hexyl esters, as compared to fruit stored in air. Two exceptions were ethanol and ethyl acetate for which the production was enhanced by both CA regimes. Treatment with the antioxidant diphenylamine prior to storage prevented most of the high CO(2)-induced and ultralow O(2)-induced changes in volatile production. The results of this study do not indicate that changes in volatile production following the exposure of Fuji apples to high CO(2) are causally related to the development of CO(2) injury.     

Characterization of Fuji apples from different harvest dates and storage conditions from measurements of volatiles by gas chromatography and electronic nose

Volatile compounds in Fuji apples harvested at two different maturities were measured at harvest and after 5 and 7 months of cold storage (1 degrees C) in four different atmospheres. When the samples were characterized by both chromatographic measurements of volatiles and responses of an electronic nose, the analyses showed a clear separation between fruits from different storage conditions (a normal cold atmosphere and three controlled atmospheres). During poststorage, the apples were left to ripen for 1, 5, and 10 days at 20 degrees C before analytical measurements were done involving headspace-gas chromatography methods and electronic nose type quartz crystal microbalances. Electronic nose responses registered by seven different sensors were used to classify the apples using principal component analysis. It was possible to identify the samples from different storage periods, days of shelf life, and harvest dates, but it was not possible to differentiate the fruits corresponding to different cold storage atmospheres.     

Quality and enhancement of bioactive phenolics in cv. Napoleon table grapes exposed to different postharvest gaseous treatments

Ten different gaseous treatments were evaluated for their efficacy in the keeping quality of cv. Napoleon table grapes during 38 days of storage at 0 degrees C followed by 6 days of shelf life at 15 degrees C in air. These storage methods included modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with and without SO(2) or natural fungicides (hexanal and hexenal), two controlled atmospheres (CA), and intermittent and continuous applications of O(3). As a control, air atmosphere during cold storage was used. Most of the treatments applied kept the postharvest quality of the grapes, although the best results were obtained by the use of a MAP with 5 kPa of O(2) plus 15 kPa of CO(2) plus 80 kPa of N(2). The total anthocyanin content at harvest was 170 +/- 19 microg/g of fresh weight (fw) of grapes, which declined in most of the treatments applied and was reflected in the loss of red color. Peonidin 3-glucoside was detected at all sampling times as the major anthocyanin (always >50% from the total content). Treatments applied kept or decreased the total flavonol content from that measured at harvest (17 +/- 1.4 microg/g of fw of berries). However, an increase of up to 2-fold in total stilbenoid content after shelf life for CA and O(3) treatments was observed. At all sampling times for almost every treatment piceid concentration remained unaltered or slightly changed, whereas large increases were observed after shelf life for resveratrol (1.2 +/- 0.6 microg/g of fw of grapes sampled at harvest), even up to 3- and 4-fold for O(3)-treated grapes and 2-fold for CA-treated ones. Therefore, improved techniques for the keeping quality of cv. Napoleon table grapes during long-term storage seem to maintain or enhance their antioxidant compound content.     

西洋梨气调贮藏不同时间后货架期品质变化

为研究西洋梨不同气调贮藏时间出库后货架期品质的变化,将西洋梨品种“阿巴特”在1.8%±0.2% O2,0.8%±0.2% CO2气体体积分数条件下进行不同时间贮藏。结果表明,与冷藏相比,贮藏期内气调贮藏可显著地抑制西洋梨果实硬度的下降和色泽的变化,降低果实出汁率、淀粉含量和乙烯释放量,并推迟乙烯高峰的出现时间,抑制淀粉酶活性的上升;货架期间,不同贮藏期出库果实自货架6 d起气调贮藏与对照相比果实硬度和淀粉含量的下降速率和色泽变化较快,果实的出汁率和淀粉酶活性明显上升,同时果实的乙烯释放明显加快。气调贮藏与对照相比可在一定程度上抑制贮藏期果实品质的下降,其中气调贮藏90 d、货架8 d的西洋梨果实能获得较好的后熟效果。     

Effect of hexanal on the shelf life of fresh apple slices.

In this work the effects of hexanal, as a component of packaging atmosphere, on the shelf life of and evolution of naturally occurring microbial populations in fresh apple slices during storage at 4 and 15 degrees C were evaluated. Although hexanal had no bactericidal effects, in all conditions considered, this volatile molecule significantly extended the shelf life. In fact, the presence of hexanal in the storage atmosphere (at 4 degrees C) totally inhibited mesophilic bacteria and considerably prolonged the lag phase of psychrotrophic bacteria. Also, at 15 degrees C, hexanal strongly inhibited molds, yeasts, and mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria. Moreover, hexanal led to a yeast selection favoring species having a reduced spoilage potential due to their prevalent respiratory activity. When added to a modified atmosphere (70% N(2) and 30% CO(2)), this molecule was also very effective in preventing browning reactions for at least 16 days at 15 degrees C. No changes in hue angle values were observed in samples packaged in modified atmosphere with hexanal, even after 16 days of storage at 4 degrees C.     

Controlled atmosphere storage of wild strawberry fruit (Fragaria vesca L.)

Controlled atmosphere storage technology to extend the shelf life of "Reina de los Valles" wild strawberry fruit (Fragaria vesca L.) was studied. Fruits were stored at 3 degrees C for three weeks in different atmosphere compositions: 0.05% CO2/21% O2 (air), 3% CO2/18% O2, 6% CO2/15% O2, 10% CO2/11% O2, and 15% CO2/6% O2. The effect of gas composition on soluble solids content, titrable acidity, pH, off-flavor, aroma volatiles, and consumer preference was monitored. The result showed that the 10% CO2/11% O2 combination can efficiently prolong the shelf life of wild strawberries by maintaining the quality parameters within acceptable values, through inhibiting the development of Botrytis cinerea, without significantly modifying consumer acceptance.     

Effects of ozone treatment on postharvest strawberry quality

The effect of ozone treatment on the postharvest quality of strawberry was evaluated. Strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv. Camarosa) were stored at 2 degrees C in an atmosphere containing ozone (0.35 ppm). After 3 days at 2 degrees C, fruits were moved to 20 degrees C to mimic retail conditions (shelf life). The changes in several quality parameters such as fungal decay, color, sugar and acids distribution, and aroma were evaluated during the strawberries' shelf life. Ozone treatment was ineffective in preventing fungal decay in strawberries after 4 days at 20 degrees C. Significant differences in sugars and ascorbic acid content were found in ozone-treated strawberries. At the end of cold storage, the vitamin C content of ozonated strawberries was 3 times that of control fruits. A detrimental effect of ozone treatment on strawberry aroma was observed, with a 40% reduced emission of volatile esters in ozonated fruits.     

Protease activity in post-mortem red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) muscle stored in modified atmosphere packaging

Protease activity during storage is thought to be an important contributor to decreased shelf life of fresh seafood. To examine this, three batches of red swamp crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii) tails, placed on trays, were packed with a polyvinyl chloride film (aerobic packaging or AP), under vacuum (vacuum packaging or VP), or under a modified atmosphere (MAP: 80% CO 2/10% O 2/10% N 2), and proteolytic activity was measured on days 0, 1, 3, 6, and 10 during storage at 2 degrees C. The crude extract from the crayfish digestive system (gut) did not have an apparent role in muscle proteolysis as negligible proteolytic activity was detected. However, the loss of calpastatin (the endogenous calpain inhibitor) was identified in MAP-stored muscle samples on day 10, suggestive of high m-calpain activity. Tail samples stored in AP showed no appreciable proteolysis, but those stored in MAP and VP showed significant decreases in the levels of 53, 66, 71, and 110 kDa polypeptides during storage. The observed proteolytic activity and myofibrillar protein degradation did not correspond to muscle textural properties as the MAP samples had an increased toughness ( P < 0.05) after storage for 10 days. These findings suggest that other physicochemical mechanisms are involved in postmortem alteration in the crayfish muscle structure under the packaging systems investigated.     

Glucosinolates in mixed-packaged mini broccoli and mini cauliflower under modified atmosphere

Contents of total and individual glucosinolates of mini broccoli cv. Milady and mini cauliflower cv. Clarke were assessed to determine the effect of modified atmosphere packaging on postharvest glucosinolate dynamics of mixed mini Brassica vegetables. Therefore, mixed-packaged mini broccoli and mini cauliflower stored in food trays sealed with two different microperforated biaxial-oriented polypropylene films for up to 7 days at 8 degrees C were analyzed. The results indicate that modified atmosphere at 8% O2 + 14% CO2 was a suitable gaseous combination to maintain aliphatic and indole glucosinolates in mini broccoli for 7 days after an initial decrease at 4 days. In contrast, modified atmosphere at 1% O2 + 21% CO2 resulted in the best retention of indole glucosinolates of mini cauliflower for 7 days and also of aliphatic glucosinolates after an initial decrease at 4 days. Thus, to maintain glucosinolates and external appearance and to prevent off-odor, mini broccoli and mini cauliflower should be packed separately in suitable altered gas composition.     

双孢菇高氧动态气调保鲜参数优化

为提高双孢蘑菇保鲜效果,在(2±1)℃下采用高氧动态气调方法对双孢蘑菇进行贮藏试验,选取第1阶段不同O_2/CO_2比例的气体组分、换气时间、第2阶段不同O_2/CO_2比例的气体组分作为影响因素,考察双孢蘑菇贮藏过程中总色差ΔE、硬度以及感官品质的变化,对双孢蘑菇的动态气调参数进行优化。研究结果显示,第1阶段O_2比例高于80%时,可显著抑制双孢蘑菇ΔE的上升(P0.05);第2阶段80%O_2+20%CO_2气体组分,可使双孢蘑菇的ΔE显著低于其他处理,硬度显著高于其他处理(P0.05);而换气时间则影响较小。最优的动态气调条件为:第1阶段气体组分100%O_2,第3天换气,第2阶段气体组分80%O_2+20%CO_2,双孢蘑菇的ΔE、硬度值和感官品质评分分别为:19.40、6.84×105 Pa和9.52。将此最优动态气调运用于双孢蘑菇的保鲜,研究发现,与静态气调相比,该动态气调显著抑制了双孢蘑菇的呼吸速率与膜结构的损坏,维持了较高的过氧化物酶、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶活性与较低的多酚氧化酶活性,有效抑制了贮藏过程中的酶促褐变,保持了较高的可溶性蛋白含量,并延长其保鲜期至28 d,提高了双孢蘑菇的耐贮性。     

L-galactono-gamma-lactone dehydrogenase aand vitamin C content in fresh-cut potatoes stored under controlled atmospheres

L-galactono-gamma-lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity and vitamin C content as ascorbic acid (AA) plus dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) were evaluated in five potato tuber cultivars (Agata, Altesse, Franceline, Manon, and Monalisa). The effect of fresh-cutting and subsequent refrigerated storage of Manon potato under different atmospheres (air, 20% CO(2) + air, 100% N(2), and vacuum packaging) on GLDH activity and vitamin C content was also determined. GLDH from the five potato tuber cultivars showed typical inhibition kinetics by high substrate concentration in the synthesis of AA from its physiological precursor L-galactonic acid-gamma-lactone (GL). GLDH activity was not correlated with the corresponding vitamin C content in any potato tuber cultivar. GLDH from all the cultivars presented a major isoform with isoelectric point (IEP) 5, which changed to IEP = 4.3 after minimal processing. In addition, the GLDH-catalyzed synthesis of AA by the new isoform showed typical Michaelis kinetics, in which the enzyme became more efficient to catalyze the reaction. Whether the change in the isoform pattern was due to either post-translational modifications or de novo synthesis of a new isoenzyme remains unanswered. Fresh-cutting increased GLDH activity from 4.7-fold (vacuum packaging) to 11-fold (air) after 6 days. In addition, 100% of vitamin C content was retained in air and decreased in the rest of atmospheres after this storage period, following the sequence vacuum packaging (89%) > 100% N(2) (78%) > 20% CO(2) + air (63%). This tendency was correlated with the corresponding GLDH activity detected in each storage atmosphere, except in the case of 20% CO(2) + air. Vacuum packaging proved to be the best storage condition, because fresh-cut potatoes did not turn brown and retained 89% of initial vitamin C content.     

Plant material addition affects soil nitrous oxide production differently between aerobic and oxygen-limited conditions

It is a common agricultural practice for crop residues to be plowed into the soil or left on the soil surface. Soil addition of crop residues can considerably modify soil microbial activity and net N mineralization, and in general such modifications are negatively related to the C:N ratios of crop residues. Yet, little is known on the impacts of crop residues of different C:N ratios on soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) production under different aeration conditions via nitrification and denitrification. In this study, an 84-day laboratory incubation was conducted under aerobic and O₂-limited conditions and soil N₂O production was measured every 3 days after the addition of plant materials with a wide range of C:N ratios from 14 to 297. Two aerobic conditions were created by adjusting the water content of soil at a bulk density of 1.1 g cm⁻³ to 30% water-filled pore space (WFPS) and 60% WFPS, and two O₂-limited conditions were made by 90% WFPS and fluctuation between 90% and 30% WFPS. Each fluctuation cycle lasted 9 days and soil water content was readjusted to 90% WFPS at the end of each cycle. We also measured microbial respiration activity and net N mineralization periodically (i.e., 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days) during the incubation and microbial biomass C at the end of incubation. At aerobic conditions, soil amendments of plant materials, regardless of their C:N ratios, all enhanced soil N₂O production. However, net N mineralization was dependent on plant material C:N ratios, being significantly higher or lower than the control for C:N ratios ∼15 and C:N ratios ≥44, respectively. Such inconsistent responses indicated that nitrifiers mediating nitrification and therefore byproduct N₂O production could strongly compete with heterotrophic microbes for NH₄⁺ and therefore net N mineralization was not a good predictor for nitrification-associated N₂O production. Interestingly, plant material additions reduced soil N₂O production by up to ∼95% at O₂-limited conditions, perhaps due to NO₃⁻ limitation. Soil NO₃⁻ production via nitrification could be low at O₂-limited conditions, and soil NO₃⁻ availability could be further reduced due to increases in microbial biomass and thus microbial N assimilation after plant material additions. This NO₃⁻ limitation might enhance N₂O reduction to N₂, by which denitrifiers could harvest more energy from the consumption of limited NO₃⁻. Nonetheless, our results revealed contrasting differences in N₂O production between aerobic and O₂-limited conditions following soil amendments of plant materials.