The researchers studied soil respiration in a desert to see what affects it. They found that soil respiration is highest at noon and lowest in the early morning. Soil respiration is mainly influenced by soil and air temperature, with soil temperature at the surface having the biggest impact. Soil moisture at a shallow depth also plays a significant role. A combination of temperature and moisture explains most of the changes in soil respiration. Overall, the desert soil absorbs carbon dioxide at a rate of -1.45 mg per square meter per hour in winter.