The prevalence and distribution of Acidobacteriota in the Nama Karoo of South Africa

Abstract

The phylum Acidobacteriota is ubiquitous and a dominant bacterial group in arid lands, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning. This study explores Acidobacteriota in Southern African arid lands through two complementary approaches. A meta-analysis of 240 soil samples revealed relative abundances ranging from 0.008% to 39.1%, with pH identified as the primary driver of community variance. In addition, 96 bulk soil samples from the Nama Karoo were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V1–V9). Acidobacteriota abundance ranged from 2.3% to 12.2%, with Subdivisions 3, 4, and 6 being the most dominant, while rare subdivisions, such as 2 and 9, showed location-specific distributions. Significant beta-diversity differences (p = 0.002) were linked to soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and nitrate availability, and some subdivisions exhibited correlations with organic carbon and nitrate. Co-occurrence patterns with Planctomycetota and Armatimonadota suggest potential biofilm formation and shared ecological niches. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of Acidobacteriota in Southern African arid lands, highlighting dominant and rare subdivisions, localized ecological associations, and the need for future work on their metabolic functions and adaptive strategies in arid ecosystems.