We measured CH₄ fluxes and production and oxidation potentials from irrigated and non-irrigated podzolic soil in a boreal forest. CH₄ sink was smaller at the irrigated site but did not cause CH₄ emission, with one exception. We also showed that under laboratory conditions, not only wet conditions, but also fresh carbon, are needed to make podzolic soil into a CH₄ source. Our study provides important data for improving the process models describing the upland soil CH₄ dynamics.