Rhizosphere bacteriome structure and functions

Microbial composition and functions in the rhizosphere-an important microbial hotspot-are among the most fascinating yet elusive topics in microbial ecology. We used 557 pairs of published 16S rDNA amplicon sequences from the bulk soils and rhizosphere in different ecosystems around the world to generalize bacterial characteristics with respect to community diversity, composition, and functions. The rhizosphere selects microorganisms from bulk soil to function as a seed bank, reducing microbial diversity. The rhizosphere is enriched in Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and other copiotrophs. Highly modular but unstable bacterial networks in the rhizosphere (common for r-strategists) reflect the interactions and adaptations of microorganisms to dynamic conditions. Dormancy strategies in the rhizosphere are dominated by toxin-antitoxin systems, while sporulation is common in bulk soils. Functional predictions showed that genes involved in organic compound conversion, nitrogen fixation, and denitrification were strongly enriched in the rhizosphere (11-182%), while genes involved in nitrification were strongly depleted. Understanding soil microbiota dynamics is key the development of soil-based sustainable agriculture and conservation strategies. This meta-analysis shows that bulk soil functions as a seed bank for the rhizosphere, which encompasses a rich microbiota adapted to dynamic conditions in hotpots.