Field and incubation experiments were conducted to study the effects of urea application (N 0, 300 kg/hm2) on CH4 production potential, oxidation potential and emission during rice-growth season. The results showed that during the entire rice-growth season, urea application decreased CH4 production potential, and delayed the peak time of CH4 production potential. CH4 oxidation potential was inhibited by urea applied as basal and panicle fertilizer, but stimulated temporarily and then inhibited again when urea was applied as tillering fertilizer. Urea application decreased CH4 emission from rice paddy soil by affecting both CH4 production potential and oxidation potential.