I understand that all plant matter releases CO₂ as it decomposes and also when it burns in, for example, a forest fire. My assumption, upon which this question is based, is that the CO₂ release is the same in each case.

My main question is, what drives the production of all greenhouse gases in those two situations, e.g. methane in decomposition, NOx in combustion to help determine which is worse in terms of the total radiative effects of the greenhouse gases?

I appreciate the answer is likely to vary according to type of plant matter, the degree of anaerobic decomposition and the intensity of fire. Sub question: Are there any benchmarks that indicate which is worse in some specific situation or controlled trial?