Recovery of 679 metagenome-assembled genomes from different soil depths along a precipitation gradient

Soil contains a diverse community of organisms; these can include archaea, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. <i>In situ</i> identification of soil microorganisms is a challenge. The use of  genome-centric metagenomics enables the assembly and identification of microbial populations, allowing the categorization and exploration of potential functions living in the complex soil environment. However, the heterogeneity of the soil inhibiting microbes can lead to the discovery of microbial populations a tremendous challenge, with their functions left unknown, and difficult to culture in lab settings. In this study, using genome assembling strategies from both field core samples and enriched monolith samples, we assembled 679  highly completed  metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). The ability to identify these MAGs from samples across a precipitation gradient in Kansas State provided insights into the impact of climate change on soil microbial populations. Metabolite modeling of the MAGs revealed that more than 80% of the microbial populations possessed carbohydrate active enzymes, capable of breaking down chitin and starch.<br>