Role of Climate and Edaphic Factors on the Community Composition of Biocrusts Along an Elevation Gradient in the High Arctic.

ABSTRACT: Biological soil crusts are integral to Arctic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in primary production, nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling, as well as maintaining soil stability. However, the composition and complex relationships between the diverse organisms within these biocrusts are not well studied. This study investigates how the microbial community composition within Arctic biocrusts is influenced by environmental factors along an altitudinal gradient (101 m to 314 m). Metagenomic analyses were used to provide insights into the community composition, revealing that temperature, pH, and nutrient availability significantly shaped the community. In contrast, altitude did not directly influence the microbial composition significantly. Eukaryotic communities were dominated by Chloropl

SUBMITTER: Mas Martinez I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11676250 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature