Microbial Diversity and Unique Soil-Microbe Interactions Across Western Saudi Arabian Arid Environments
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Abstract
This study investigates microbial diversity in arid soils across Western Saudi Arabia using 16S rRNA analysis. Soil samples were collected from various locations in the Makkah region, with pH levels ranging from 7.00 in Kamil to 7.81 in Khulais. Moisture content varied significantly, from 0.5% in Fair Capital to 12.0% in Jeddah. The sand was identified as the dominant soil component, with varying proportions of silt and clay, classifying all samples as sandy soil. Bacterial incidence showed notable variation, peaking at 20% in Fair Capital and reaching a minimum of 6% in Al-Qunfudhah. Soil composition influenced particle aggregation, with higher clay and moisture content promoting clumping in areas like Jeddah, while lower percentages resulted in loose, scattered particles elsewhere. 16S rRNA sequences from bacterial isolates were matched with similar isolates from the gene bank database. Results reveal diverse microbial communities across the studied region, correlating with varying soil physicochemical properties. This research contributes to our understanding of soil-microbe interactions in arid environments and may inform future soil management strategies in similar ecosystems.
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References
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