Soil Microbial Diversity across Maize Agroecosystems.

In light of unprecedented population growth and changing climate, there is rising demand on agricultural resources for increased production. One area of particular interest is the role of soil microbial communities in facilitating nutrient cycling and availability, which may in turn enhance crop yields. Given the importance of maize in meeting global food demands, we investigated the diversity and variability of the maize-associated soil microbiome. Drawing from publically available databases, we surveyed 16S rRNA sequences across geographic locations, and under an array of management practices. Initial results suggest that soil characteristics derived from geological history, as well as human-mediated disturbance (e.g. tillage and crop rotation management) act as drivers of microbial community structure. Understanding diversity in the maize-associated soil microbiome is an important step for future work that aims to elucidate the functional roles of microbes in agroecosystems. More broadly, characterizing this diversity is crucial for addressing how crop-associated soil microbial communities may facilitate resiliency and promote sustainability in agroecosystems.