LAUSR

ABSTRACT Plant rhizosphere zones are hotspots for microbial diversity consisting of different communities when contrasted with surrounding bulk soils. Rhizosphere microorganisms play significant roles in plant development. We investigated the bacterial community and metabolic potentials of maize rhizosphere and bulk soils at two distant geographical locations in the North West Province of South Africa using shotgun metagenomics. We further characterized bacterial genes contributing to plant-beneficial functions present in the soils. Genes involved in plant-beneficial functions like nitrogen fixation and potassium transport were uncovered. Overall, 51 OTUs were identified in the soils. Shared OTUs between soils were 10.9% and 17.2% at Ventersdorp and Mafikeng, respectively. Significant differences in bacterial taxonomic composition and functional categories between soils (P < 0.05) were revealed. Acidobacteria and Firmicutes dominated the rhizosphere soils while Actinobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes were predominant in bulk soils. Proper understanding of soil indigenous microbiome can help ascertain prospective targets for imminent crop breeding and management.